"Then again, if there's a chance the bees will choose a less than optimally aged larva there is also a chance the bees will choose an optimally aged larva. The thing is, chance is introduced when it need not be." A Morris This goes to the question that I have about allowing colonies to produce their own queens as in the case of banking queens or in the case of making splits. The question is, given a frame of eggs and at least some larvae younger than three days, and some older than three days, what are the chances the bees will choose the younger larvae to make queens, given the obvious survival benefit to choosing younger larvae. I would think this would have been studied. In my own very limited experience, when by accident or design I have allowed a colony to make their own queen, I have been pleasantly surprised at the result. Is this just blind luck? Steve Noble :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::