Tom Harker wrote:
 
> My problem is that is is very late in the year to be requeening.  It is cold
> here, and the end of the laying season.  I am wondering if anyone else has
> experience requeening this late in the year.  Day temperatures are a high of
> 47 to 60 F.  Nights are beginning to frost.  I did notice that the hive still
> has a good supply of drones... they haven't been evicted yet.  I had been
> feeding Sugar syrup and there are about 13 full deep frames of sugar/honey
> for the winter.
>
> I am afraid that if I hang the queen between frames in the queen cage, that
> she will be rejected and/or freeze over night.  Should I attempt to introduce
> her by the shotgun method that I saw here?  i.e. spray the bees and queen
> with sugar water scented with mint and let her loose?
 
Tom,
 
Daytime temperatures of 47 to 60 degrees F. doesn't seem too extreme,
especially if you have a fairly strong colony.  The laying cycle might
be some problem.  I would suggest a flat cage that will fit between the
frames in their normal position and feed.  Even if you have to pull a
frame or two to make room.  Stores coming in makes a lot of difference
in acceptance.  If the bees don't seem to be be acting mormally around
the cage let her stay in for another couple days.  I really don't think
it is too late, just will need a little extra effort.
 
Tom
--
"Test everything.  Hold on to the good."  (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
 
Tom Elliott
Chugiak,  Alaska
U.S.A.
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