I'd like to cut a couple of queen cells from a strong hive, but they aren't capped yet. How long would you advise me to wait before it's safe to cut the cells and handle them a bit?
-Liz
After they are capped there is a three day period where they should not be disturbed. I believe this is the time when their wings are developed. Day 1 being the day the egg was laid you wait till day 13 to move. Days 10-12 they should be left alone.
Ray
http://www.thebeeyard.org/queen-rearing-calendar/ (http://www.thebeeyard.org/queen-rearing-calendar/)
This link was given to me by Capt. Just put the dates in.
play with it all you want after it hatches use it or cut it when hardened off