Adam, Joel, Roy, Kevin, Nik, and others who have been following the thread
on priming queen cell cups for grafting larvae:
 
Alas, my initial optimism has been dashed.  I thought that I was getting
near 100% acceptance of the cups that I had primed with saliva, but
instead I have had 100% rejection.  However, I didn't use the same
cell-building colony that I had been using.
 
I am using queenless, free-flying colonies to build the cells.  If I
supply a frame of emerging brood I seem to get good building.  On
the try using diluted honey, I've gotten 30% acceptance in the colony
that I know was queenless...I transferred the queen to another
colony...saw her on the comb I transferred.  I think the low acceptance
is probably due to poor technique using a needle.  I have shifted to
using a brush as suggested by Kevin.
 
The colony I tried to get to build the saliva-primed cells appeared to be
queenless...no brood.  I looked through the hive, but I saw no queen nor
brood.  The hive is a strong colony, is bringing in honey like mad.
Perhaps the queen was just taking a rest? :)  Anyhow, I'm going to try
using saliva one more time, using a 000 brush for transferring larvae,
then putting the frame into the hive that I know is queenless and has
been giving me a good build.  I'll file a report on my results in a few days.
 
I'll have 10 ripe cells tomorrow to make up into mating nucs.  I'm going to
try some 4.5 inch plastic flower pots as mini nucs.  I'll be
using three small top bars with a small piece of comb tied to the center
bar and a bit of homemade foundation waxed to the two lateral bars.  A
ripe cell attached to the comb, a cup of bees in each, a pint of 50:50
syrup on top of a roofing felt cover, then...let's see what happens.
Dean is responsible for my activities in this direction! :)  It's amazing
what I've learned from BEE-L.
 
I thank all of you who have sent me suggestions and given me help of any
type.  It is a pleasure to be associated with all of you.
 
Cordially yours,
 
Jim
 
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  |  James D. Satterfield        |  E-Mail: [log in to unmask]      |
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