It just shows what happens when one speculates from observations to
causes that are unknown. The only thing I did think I knew was that queens'
shrink and expand abdomens at different periods in their lives.
        Following another suggestion, I sampled the spacing of a rod style
queen excluder I used to use:  4mm in every case.  Then I measured all of
the spaces in the queen excluder I have used several years. Every one is
3mm wide.  The workers came through fast and she was not far behind - twice!
        She may look anorexic but she laid two beautiful full frames of
brood before I captured her and she is now laying brood for children's
delight  in her observation hive.
        So I am still convinced that standard sized queen excluders will
not work with every queen - some are just different

John F. Mesinger
[log in to unmask]