Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1998 10:51:30 -0500 From: "Schriner, Jeff" <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Queen Bees So there I was, checking to see that my queens had been accepted/released from their queen cages in my splits. In one, the queen couldn't get thru the hole in the cage because of the dead workers clogging up the works. So I decided to help her and poked the dead ones aside with a large nail. As I was laying the queen cage back--out she came and away she flew. Aghhhh. Sometimes I wish I could light cigars with $10 bills.... Anyhow, so now I'm going to order another queen, and well might as well order two. Always looking to try something new and improved I am going to try a different breeder for this pair. Currently, all my bees/queens are from Hardeman's, I'm thinking of trying some Wilbanks queens. (Did I mention I only want Italians) All suggestions, experiences and or comments are welcome. Production is probably more important than temperment--but not entirely<G>. The established hives are very busy at the moment and the bees have moved up into the honey supers and are working the bait comb in the top comb supers. My packges are taking syrup like mad and my splits--well, they are still trying to get themselves organized. Best Regards, Jeff Hi Jeff, Why not graft a Queen Cell into your hive from one of your strong colonies. If you have plenty of colonies already and they are producing well this can save alot of money. I used to buy my queens but would never do again, I always rear my own. Regards Andy S