Does size matter?

troutstalker2 · April 10, 2010, 09:30:35 PM

Are larger queens more desirable as brood producers. I bought a queen about 10 days ago and she seemed very small. she has gotten a little larger as she has started laying, but still is smaller than any I have seen before. My best producer as far as brood is a big yellow feral queen I captured as a swarm last year.

David

AllenF · April 10, 2010, 10:13:56 PM

In the 10 days, how would you rate her as a layer?

I personally think, larger queens lay better.

Kathyp · April 10, 2010, 10:44:42 PM

the subject matter of this post is such a disappointment :evil:

on the subject, i have no scientific proof, but i think my bigger (fatter) queens have been better. i don't know if that's nourishment, breeding, or mating. just an observation.

however....if the performance is good, i wouldn't knock small size.

troutstalker2 · April 10, 2010, 11:28:19 PM

Allen, so far she seems to be doing fine. Kathy, that last line is too funny. :evil:

Thanks guys.

JP · April 10, 2010, 11:42:09 PM

Although we all get excited over a very large queen, I believe the consenus is in her performance. This is a case where size doesn't matter.

...JP

RZRBCK BEE · April 11, 2010, 09:16:51 AM

Quotehowever....if the performance is good, i wouldn't knock small size.

Too funny. ROFL

KD4MOJ · April 11, 2010, 09:42:43 AM

Quote from: kathyp on April 10, 2010, 10:44:42 PM
the subject matter of this post is such a disappointment :evil:

however....if the performance is good, i wouldn't knock small size.

KathyP I'm sure someone on here could steer the thread in another direction! "Watcha talkin' about Willis?" Fat Queens!! :evil:

...DOUG
KD4MOJ

Michael Bush · April 11, 2010, 11:32:06 AM

The size of a queen varies greatly throughout the year let alone throughout her life...

kedgel · April 11, 2010, 08:24:47 PM

Young queens are like young wives. They start out skinny, but trust me, they always get fatter! :evil: All kidding aside, they really do usually fatten up as they get older and get into serious egg production. If she's laying good I wouldn't sweat it.

Kelly

luvin honey · April 12, 2010, 01:52:01 PM

Oh, geez---With a thread title like that, how could this thread help but veer off?

Here's my teeny observation. I saw my 2nd queen ever this spring. She was small width wise, very thin. This hive is now divebombing rapidly. I don't know if I lost her or if she is a majorly crappy layer or what. Anyway, I will get in with the next warm weather and then have a little more information.

There's my half cent's worth. :)