Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => HONEYBEE REMOVAL => Topic started by: joker1656 on June 25, 2010, 01:37:27 pm

Title: when you catch the queen???
Post by: joker1656 on June 25, 2010, 01:37:27 pm
I usually end up accidently sweeping up the poor queen.  When I catch her, how long do I leave her in the catcher, or do I? Is it a good idea to leave her in overnight to get the workers oriented before they, including her, abscond? 
Title: Re: when you catch the queen???
Post by: JP on June 25, 2010, 09:51:22 pm
If she is a known mated queen you could keep her caged for several days but the problem is the bees will attach comb to the cage or catcher. Let her out three days max and all should be good.

Virgins need to be let out within two days so they can mate. You don't want to wind up with a drone layer.

I often leave queens caged a few days.


...JP
Title: Re: when you catch the queen???
Post by: Michael Bush on June 25, 2010, 10:42:07 pm
I leave her in the hair clip catcher (or if you don't have one, then cage her) for a few days until they get settled in.
Title: Re: when you catch the queen???
Post by: annette on June 26, 2010, 12:39:16 am
I guess I have been lucky that the 2 swarms I hived this week did not abscond.  I didn't know you would all keep the queen caged.
Title: Re: when you catch the queen???
Post by: joker1656 on June 26, 2010, 08:53:03 am
That really helps.  Thanks to both of you for the input.  Annette, I was not sure either.  My swarms have not absconded, but a cutout or two has.  Sometimes I am unlucky....:)