Sofia Martinez
Queen bees travel in a plastic cage, and beekeepers need to know how to open them. Opening a plastic queen cage can be tricky, and there are a few things to consider. For example, the orientation of the cage, whether to use tape, and how to release the queen bee safely. The process of opening the cage can impact the acceptance of the queen by the bees in the colony.
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What You'll Learn
Flip open the top of the cage
To open a plastic queen cage, you can flip open the top of the cage. This is the simplest and quickest method. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing this. Firstly, ensure that the cage is suspended securely between two frames with duct tape, with the screen facing down. This will allow the bees to move a dead attendant out of the way and access the screen and candy more easily.
When flipping open the top, be careful not to spill the candy that is inside. The candy is meant for the worker bees to consume, which will eventually release the queen. If you don't want the queen to be released right away, you can cover the candy with a small piece of tape. This will give you time to prepare the colony for the introduction of the new queen.
Additionally, consider the orientation of the cage. Some beekeepers suggest that the candy end of the cage should point down to prevent the candy from melting and potentially drowning the queen. However, others argue that having the candy end up can also have its drawbacks, as a dead attendant could block the exit hole. Therefore, it is recommended to place the cage horizontally to avoid these issues.
By following these steps and considerations, you can successfully flip open the top of a plastic queen cage, ensuring the safety and well-being of the queen and the colony.
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Use a marshmallow or sugar candy to release the queen
When installing a caged queen to a package, you can opt for a direct release by pulling the cork and placing your thumb over the hole. However, if you are uncomfortable with this method, you can use a marshmallow or sugar candy to release the queen.
To make queen cage candy, you can mix icing sugar (powdered sugar) with warm honey until it reaches the consistency of putty or plasticine. It is important to ensure that the honey is free from disease, so it is recommended to use honey from your own apiary. You can also add a few drops of glycerine to prevent the candy from drying out. The candy will need to be left for several hours to set before using it.
Alternatively, you can use a marshmallow, which is easier for the bees to consume. A marshmallow plug can be inserted into the profiled hole of the cage, and the bees will eat through it to release the queen. This process usually takes an hour or less.
The choice between using candy or marshmallow depends on the situation. If you are installing a caged queen to an established colony, you may prefer to use candy as it will take the bees a few days to work through it, giving them time to get used to the queen. On the other hand, if you are installing a package and are afraid of a direct release, a marshmallow is a suitable option as it will be consumed more quickly.
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Remove attendants to prevent hostility
While some beekeepers advise removing the attendants from a queen cage before introducing a queen honeybee, others claim that this is a myth. The theory behind removal is that the bees in the receiving colony might perceive the attendants as foreign and react with hostility, injuring the queen in the process. However, there is little evidence to support this theory, and many beekeepers have successfully introduced queens with their attendants present for countless years.
Attendant bees care for caged queens during transport, but the bees in the receiving hive will feed and care for the queen once she is introduced. The risk of removing attendants lies in the potential mishandling of the queen or accidentally allowing her to escape from the cage. It is safer to leave the queen with her attendants, who will ensure she is well-cared for.
To introduce a queen honeybee, open the box and place a drop of water on the cage. This will provide food and water for the attendants and workers. Check that the queen is alive and moving, and install the queen as soon as possible. Place the cage in the middle of the brood nest or cluster, ensuring that the candy end is up and the cork end is down. Stick the shipping cage into the wax comb on one of the frames, with the screen side open to the bees.
If the queen has not been released after 5-6 days, she may need to be manually released by popping the plastic cork next to the candy tube. After releasing the queen, quickly place your finger over the hole and return the cage to the hive to prevent the queen from escaping. For difficult introductions, such as hives with laying workers, additional time for acceptance may be required.
In conclusion, removing attendants from a queen cage is not necessary to prevent hostility from the receiving hive. The attendants play an important role in caring for the queen during transport, and their presence does not hinder the introduction of the queen to the colony. By following the proper installation and release procedures, beekeepers can ensure the successful introduction of a new queen honeybee.
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Point the candy end down to avoid accidental drowning
When installing a new queen bee, it is important to consider the orientation of the cage. The "up versus down" debate has been a long-standing issue, with valid arguments on both sides. One school of thought suggests that the candy end of the queen cage should be pointed down to avoid accidental drowning. This is because, if the candy melts, the queen bee could potentially drown in the resulting liquid. By having the candy end pointed downwards, the liquid will simply drain out, and the risk of accidental drowning is mitigated. This is especially important as the candy may melt due to temperature fluctuations or the addition of water, which is necessary to prevent dehydration in the bees and queen bee.
However, others argue that pointing the candy end down can lead to another issue. If there are dead attendants in the cage, which is not uncommon, they could potentially block the exit hole and prevent the queen bee's release. In this case, having the candy end pointed up ensures that the dead attendants do not impede the queen bee's exit.
To address both concerns, some beekeepers opt for a horizontal orientation of the queen cage. This way, the candy end is not pointed directly downwards, reducing the risk of accidental drowning while also minimizing the chances of dead attendants blocking the exit hole.
It is worth noting that the candy itself serves as food for the queen bee during shipping and storage before her introduction to the hive. It is designed to be consumed slowly by the worker bees, allowing them to release the queen themselves gradually. However, the candy is not a perfect timing mechanism, and early release is a common issue, which can lead to an unsuccessful introduction. Therefore, it is recommended to check the cage regularly and ensure the candy has not dried out or been consumed too quickly, leading to premature release.
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Use duct tape to suspend the cage between two frames
When installing a plastic queen cage, it is recommended to suspend the cage between two frames using a thin strip of duct tape. This method ensures the cage is in a horizontal position, which offers several advantages. Firstly, it prevents the candy plug from melting and dripping onto the queen. Secondly, it provides easy access to the screen and candy, allowing bees to release the queen efficiently.
To achieve this setup, beekeepers can follow these steps:
- Prepare two well-populated frames that will serve as the suspension points for the queen cage.
- Use a thin strip of duct tape to secure the queen cage horizontally between the two frames. Ensure that the duct tape does not obstruct the screening or the exit hole, as this could hinder the bees' access to the candy and the release of the queen.
- Position the queen cage with the candy end pointing downwards. This practice prevents the candy from melting and potentially drowning the queen.
- Monitor the progress of the bees. As they consume the candy, they will gradually release the queen. Placing the sugar plug at the top of the cage can help you gauge how soon the worker bees will release the queen and her attendants.
By suspending the plastic queen cage between two frames with duct tape, beekeepers can ensure a safe and controlled introduction of the queen to the colony while minimizing the risk of candy melting or obstructing the release process.
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Frequently asked questions
To open a plastic queen cage, you can remove the cap on the candy tube. You can also remove a small strip of plastic from the bottom of the cage to allow worker bees into the cage.
To release the queen bee, fill the tube of the cage with a small marshmallow or sugar "candy". The worker bees will then consume the candy to release the queen.
It can take 48 hours for the worker bees to eat out the candy in the tube and release the queen.
