Kelley,
 
      I understand the reluctance...  When I first marked the observation
hive queen, I used some of my daughter's purple fingernail polish.  Big
mistake.  They didn't like the smell of it, and balled her right away.
If you do do it, use either "White-out" or "Testors" model paint.
(Actually, I think it was the color...  :-) )
 
Gerry
 
On Thu, 30 Jan 1997 08:16:22 -0500 Kelley Rosenlund <[log in to unmask]>
writes:
>At 11:09 PM 1/29/97 EST, you wrote:
>>Kelley,
>>
>>   You may know of these already, but I use the "Study Prints" by
>Dadants
>>in my talks.  They are about twelve 18 x 22 inch photos of the queen,
>>drones, brood, etc., and have lots of info on the backs.  They are a
>bit
>>pricey, but are worth it.  The biggest hit every time, however, is to
>>take along an observation hive, (with _marked_ queen!) for show and
>tell.
>> I have done from pre-k to 7th graders, and it is fun!  There is no
>end
>>to the questions generated!
>
>Hey Gerry,
>I have put the study prints on my birthday (Feb 18)wish list. You are
>right, the obs hive is a great hit. I still have not gotten the
>courage to mark the queen. I am always afraid I will hurt her!!
>
>God Bless,
>Kelley Rosenlund  [log in to unmask]
>Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A., Phone:352-378-7510 Fax:352-372-0078
>200 hives, almost 2 years in beekeeping. 8 frame deeps,shallows.
>