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Author Topic: 2 queen cells per mating nuc  (Read 4492 times)

Offline broke-t

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2 queen cells per mating nuc
« on: July 12, 2008, 01:05:45 am »
I am planning to raise a few queens next year and have been reading all I can find on queen rearing.  Have a question for yall.

Since I will only want 8 to 10 queens would it be better to graft a bunch of extra cells and then put 2 queen cells per mating nuc.  This should up my chances of getting a queen in each nuc.

Doesnt take much more time to do 40 grafts than 20 and will be using splits in 5 frame nucs for mating nucs so really need queen in each one.

Thanks,  Johnny

Offline Robo

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Re: 2 queen cells per mating nuc
« Reply #1 on: July 12, 2008, 09:51:50 am »
Since I will only want 8 to 10 queens would it be better to graft a bunch of extra cells and then put 2 queen cells per mating nuc.  This should up my chances of getting a queen in each nuc.
The hatching rate isn't usually the factor,  it is the return rate from mating flight that is.

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Doesnt take much more time to do 40 grafts than 20 and will be using splits in 5 frame nucs for mating nucs so really need queen in each one.

Time is not the issue, resources to make, feed, and build the cells is.  It takes a lot more "bee" resources to produce 40 cells than 20.  The numbers you are talking really doesn't make too much difference, but if it where me,  I would graft 10-20% more cells than you want and only put one cell per mating nuc.
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison



Offline broke-t

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Re: 2 queen cells per mating nuc
« Reply #2 on: July 12, 2008, 12:22:49 pm »
What % would be normal for mated queens compared to cells placed in nucs?

I am trying to build up my hive numbers and hate to do splits and then not have queen to put in them.

Robo, I built a copy of your bee vac and it worked great.

Johnny

Offline Robo

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Re: 2 queen cells per mating nuc
« Reply #3 on: July 12, 2008, 02:06:52 pm »
What % would be normal for mated queens compared to cells placed in nucs?
There are too many factors involved and it changes continuously.   Weather plays a big part in it.  At times I have almost 100% and at other times I have had as low as 50% or less.   I guess I would figure 75-80% to play it safe.  If you have a few left over,  you can make a few more nucs or find someone to take them off your hands.
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I am trying to build up my hive numbers and hate to do splits and then not have queen to put in them.

I hear you, and like your idea.  I'm not one for making walk away splits.  Your better off to rear your own quality queens and then make your splits with them.

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Robo, I built a copy of your bee vac and it worked great.

Excellent, glad it is working out for you.  I've had great luck with mine and I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from other folks that have built them.

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison



Online Michael Bush

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Re: 2 queen cells per mating nuc
« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2008, 02:03:09 am »
>Since I will only want 8 to 10 queens would it be better to graft a bunch of extra cells and then put 2 queen cells per mating nuc.  This should up my chances of getting a queen in each nuc.

If I had extra cells and no where to put them, I might do that.  Otherwise I would set up more nucs.
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Offline deejaycee

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Re: 2 queen cells per mating nuc
« Reply #5 on: July 20, 2008, 07:48:30 pm »
Someone posed a similar question at a meeting last year.  A very respected and experienced beekeeper came up with the most eminently sensible reply:

"Having put all this effort into breeding a lovely new young queen, why on earth would the first thing I do to her be to put her into a 'battle to the death'.. because that's what two queens do when they meet."

.. or words to that effect.

Make a few more cells than you need, and make a few more nucs than you need.  You can always  knock a queen on the head and combine if you have too many.

 

anything