Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => REQUEENING & RAISING NEW QUEENS => Topic started by: jsmob on April 21, 2008, 11:03:26 pm

Title: Queen cells and plastic foundation
Post by: jsmob on April 21, 2008, 11:03:26 pm

Just for future info. When I get hive's that have queen cells going, is there a way you can take them off plastic foundation with out destroying the foundation, or hurting the queen cell? I am thinking that
being you get so many at times you could start other hives with them. I know this is what nucs are for but I was thinking "just in case". Thanks!

Title: Re: Queen cells and plastic foundation
Post by: Michael Bush on April 22, 2008, 08:09:22 am

>is there a way you can take them off plastic foundation with out destroying the foundation, or hurting the queen cell?

In my experience, no.

Title: Re: Queen cells and plastic foundation
Post by: Scadsobees on April 22, 2008, 09:15:46 am

Plastic foundation such as peirco or plastic as in duragilt?  If pierco or plasticell then it shouldn't hurt the foundation. 

Depending where the queen cell is, you may be able to carefully cut it off .  If on the face of the frame, then not so much.  If hanging off the bottom, then maybe.

If it isn't capped...then probably not.  If it is capped, then you may be able to.  It takes a steady hand and a liberal cut to get the whole thing without damaging it.  At least when you aren't very experienced with it.

Rick

Title: Re: Queen cells and plastic foundation
Post by: Ross on April 22, 2008, 11:06:37 am

I just cut foundation and all.  The bees will fix the hole.  A sharp exacto knife will cut through Pierco no problem.  So will scrissors if you have a starting place.  Of course, taking the hole frame is easier.