A local beekeeper called me today and said he had a few extra queens left
over, and would I like to have them.  Of course!!
 
When I arrived at his honey shed,  he showed me a 50 queen cage package
with attendants.  As he picked up the box, there was a tremendous roar.
 
"Watch this", he said.
 
We went outside and he opened the box. All the attendants came rushing out
and proceeded to fly into the air just like a swarm.
 
He said, "Just think what would have happened if I had opened the box to
get your two queen cages INSIDE my honey house."
 
The bees circled around and then came right back to the Queen Hotel.
Amazing.  They acted just like homing pigeons.
 
Anyone have an idea why they would do this? Cleansing flight?
 
How long can I keep a queen cage with attendants before I put her into a
hive?  I can't get these gals into a new hive until 2 days from now. I plan
to make some nucs on top of weaker queen right hives separated by a double
wire board, and then requeen these colonies.
 
Should I feed the attendants sugar candy or honey?
 
I am thrilled to be part of this BEE-list.  After 25 years of keeping bees,
I still learn new things, thanks to BEE-list subscribers. This is a great
global sharing forum.
 
Paul Cronshaw DC
Cyberchiro and Hobby Beekeeper
Santa Barbara,  CA