I completely agree with Peter's (and others') assessment and tips. I
primed cells for decades before I tried the Chinese tool. Would never go
back to others! With proper use, the larva is never disturbed.
I've tried a number of different makes of Chinese tools, and they differ
greatly. I generally prefer those with bamboo plungers over plastic. Keep
clean (lick regularly) and wash before putting away.
One more tip: if you place the frame of hatching eggs to be grafted into
the queenless cell starter for a couple of hours before grafting, the bees
will float those young larvae up onto larger pools of jelly, making for
easier grafting, and better fed young larvae.
--
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com
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