Computer Software Solutions Ltd wrote:
>
> Hi All
>
> I am a first year beekeeper. I have come across procedures in beekeeping
> books which call for introducing ripe queen cells into colonies. I cannot
> recall having seen a procedure for actually doing this.
 
Why are you waiting for ripe queen cells and don't produce one. Then you
even know the day, when queens come out of their cells?
>
> I have not yet seen a queen cell in one of my beehives. I do not know what a
> ripe cell looks like. I do know, that the queen cells are somewhat acorn
> like, and may be in the centre of combs if they are supercedure cells, or on
> the bottom of combs if they are swarming cells.
 
Perhaps you have a good young queen with less intention to swarm. Mostly
they are the old ones which produce several queen cells. If you have a
good hive you should use the genetic potential of its queen and not wait
for queen cells of a hive that swarms a lot.
>
> What exactly does one do, to remove the cell without damage from the colony
> in which it starts, and then how does one 'affix' it to the colony into
> which it is to be introduced.
 
For removing of the cells you should use a warm (heated) knife. Take
care of the queen insite the cell. Don't hurt it. You can affix it by
several methods (needle, cork-clips, wax-fixation at a wooden splint and
so on).
 
> Is there a preferred time of day to do this,
 
Cut the cell out just before the time(1-2 days) of the queen's natural
hatching. Leave enough wax around the cell.
 
> what are the chances of success, and how does one guard against failure?.
 
The chances are above 90% if you do the cutting just in time.
>
> If anybody can help I would be most grateful as I intend to have a go at
> some queen rearing next year.
>
> I am located just outside Dublin Ireland and it is now a very cold and wet
> winter. Beekeeping will recommence here next April.
>
> Many thanks
>
> Sincerely
>
> Tom Barrett
> 49 South Park
> Foxrock
> Dublin 18
> Ireland
>
> e mail: [log in to unmask]
 
 
with regards
 
 
Dr. Reimund Schuberth
from Bavaria / Germany
beekeeping
queen rearing (carniolan)
insemination