> We received our 3 lb package today, Saturday, of Starlines.
> We waited till an hour before our sunset to install the package only to
> find the queen dead...

Sorry about the bad luck.  I'm sure you'll tough it out though.

> Would it be ok to release the package into the hive body and simply cap up
> the exterior entrances to the hive till the new queen arrives? My thinking,
> that it would be easier to feed and more room in the hive body, it has to
> be better than the storing in the package cage?

Yes.  The bees do better on comb.  If you could snag a bit of open brood
somewhere to give them they would be happier yet.

I'd put the hive in a cool *totally dark* (not even a crack of light) place
until the queen comes if you have no brood.  Remember they need at minimum as a
10 pound animal in order not to suffocate, and some water (a wet sponge on a
plate?).

Also, I find it hard to believe that there is not a beekeeper nearby that would
not immediately give or sell you a queen or cell.  There are very few places in
North America with no beekeeper around, and with very few exceptions beekeepers
help beekeepers.  It's a fraternity.

> What about leaving the dead queen hanging in the cage in the hive till the
> new queen arrives?

No point in that.

allen