Installed 2 packages Monday how long before I should check the queen?

[jaycee]

Hi this is just a quick question.  I installed my 1st 2 packages of bees yesterday and I think it went really well.  I was really glad I had the experience last week catching a swarm before I did this because releasing the packages was a little more intense.  Anyway I left the queen cage between the middle frames with the candy stopper in the hives for them to release her... how long should I wait before I open them up to check on her status... how long should it take them to free her?

Thanks,
Jaycee

[VolunteerK9]

4-5 days is about the average. If she is released then, remember to remove the cage and press all your frames back together. If she hasnt been released by then, I remove the cork and let her out anyways.I check for eggs/larvae in 2 more weeks after that.

[jaycee]

4-5 days is about the average. If she is released then, remember to remove the cage and press all your frames back together. If she hasnt been released by then, I remove the cork and let her out anyways.I check for eggs/larvae in 2 more weeks after that.

Thanks Volunteer that sounds great!

[cdanderson]

I agree... I check the queen cage after about 4-5 days, if it is empty remove it and push the frames together.  I dont go through the hive looking for the loose queen at that point.  Give her time to settle down before you do a full inspection ! :-D

[LoriMNnice]

I direct released mine, I figured she had been with them long enough in the package.

[asprince]

I direct released mine, I figured she had been with them long enough in the package.

I use to do the same until I had a couple fly off......never to return.

[indypartridge]

4-5 days is about the average.

I always check after two days, and she's nearly always out by then.