On Wed, 13 Oct 2004, [log in to unmask] wrote:

> I have heard different opinions about what temperatures are needed for
> for a virgin to go out on mating flights.  Are low 70's high enough or
> is this virgin doomed?  I still see drones in my hives.
>

Man, I *hope* that low 70s is warm enough, otherwise I'll have to
give up on the whole idea of ever raising my own queens.  Except
for about three weeks in July/August, that's about as warm as
it ever *gets* around here.

At least one beekeeper in this area raises her own queens, and doesn't
seem to have any particular trouble, so I'd say that low 70s is
adequate, at least for the bees that are moderately adapted to
chilly weather.

--
Tim Eisele
[log in to unmask]

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