Queen Rearing Kits

RZRBCK BEE · June 05, 2009, 10:16:12 PM

What do ya'll think about Jenter? Is it as easy as it looks?

Michael Bush · June 06, 2009, 10:45:45 AM

It will simply grafting as much as it looks. It will not simplify queen rearing.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesqueenrearing.htm

mgmoore7 · June 06, 2009, 02:28:15 PM

Just graft. After 3 unsuccessful attempts with the Nicot system (similar to Jenter), I decided to graft. I now think grafting is easier and it is cheaper too. You can get setup to graft for less than $30 (grafting tool, cell frame, cell cups).

Michael Bush · June 06, 2009, 03:08:35 PM

There are many options to avoid grafting. Here are a few:

http://www.bushfarms.com/beeshopkinsmethod.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeshopkins1886.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesmillermethod.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesbetterqueens.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesalleymethod.htm

Hethen57 · June 07, 2009, 10:57:46 PM

I've read a number of different artcles on queen rearing methods, but there is one thing that I haven't seen them explain. How do you get the fresh comb, with no eggs, larva, pollen, or nectar for the queen to lay eggs in when using the Hopkins Method?

Michael Bush · June 08, 2009, 07:05:22 AM

Usually from a super. :)

Hethen57 · June 08, 2009, 01:16:22 PM

I know it probably sounded like a dumb question, but it seems like they start filling the fresh comb in my hives with eggs, pollen, nectar, etc. before they complete it. Also, I wasn't sure how that would work as far as cell size...don't they make the honey storage cells up in the super slightly larger than the brood cells? BTW - I use foundation. Thanks.
-Mike

Robo · June 08, 2009, 01:32:46 PM

Quote from: RZRBCK BEE on June 05, 2009, 10:16:12 PM
What do ya'll think about Jenter? Is it as easy as it looks?

I've used the Nicot with good success. There are some key "gotcha steps" though, so you can easily go from many to no cells.

http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/queen-rearing/

jdpro5010 · June 08, 2009, 05:53:45 PM

Quote from: Robo on June 08, 2009, 01:32:46 PM
Quote from: RZRBCK BEE on June 05, 2009, 10:16:12 PM
What do ya'll think about Jenter? Is it as easy as it looks?

I've used the Nicot with good success. There are some key "gotcha steps" though, so you can easily go from many to no cells.

http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/queen-rearing/

I too have used the Nicot with success. I also have grafted with success. The hard part for me was being sure about queenlessness in the cell builder. That took a couple of tries until I learned some of the secrets and gained a little experience.