At 08:00 PM 10/29/2003, you wrote:
>        I am interested in producing queens next May or June is there an
>optimum outside temperature for Queen bees to be bred.

Grafting and placing ripe queen cells  can be done even at relatively cool
temperatures assuming you take the proper precautions. (Insulated boxes for
transport etc.)
The two critical items in my opinion for raising queens that are most
temperature/weather depended are good populations of drones (which can be
stimulated by early feeding), and proper flight weather for mating,  69
degrees or higher and relatively calm days (which you have no control over).

By May or June in most locations in the US, the weather is just fine for
raising queens with little difficulty or extra measures.  Early queens (at
least in more northern areas) are tougher to manage.  It depends a great
deal on where you are located.

-Tim

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::