Installing a new package

A place for new keepers to ask questions and share experiences
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jcbbsadmin
Site Admin
Posts: 18
Joined: Mon May 01, 2017 12:15 am

Installing a new package

Post by jcbbsadmin » Mon May 08, 2017 3:17 pm

We would like to hear your experiences installing packages purchased trough the club or from other sources.

jcbbsadmin
Site Admin
Posts: 18
Joined: Mon May 01, 2017 12:15 am

Re: Installing a new package

Post by jcbbsadmin » Fri Mar 19, 2021 1:51 pm

For those of you new to beekeeping we thought it a good idea to discuss how to install your new package of bees.

There are a number of videos that can be found on the subject with a Google search. However a lot of these advocate direct release of the queen from her cage. It is this keeper's opinion that direct release is too risky and a better approach is warranted. We discussed this at our March 2021 zoom meeting.

Here is a link to the article that we reviewed at that meeting. https://www.beverlybees.com/install-pac ... roth-hive/ In it the authors discuss 3 different ways to tackle releasing your queen. The only difference between their technique and the one we recommend involves the style of the queen cage. Their cage comes with a candy plug already installed. Ours are a more simple design without the candy. As a result we offer a modified technique.

Once you have removed the queen cage from the package, shake off all of the attached bees. Watch the queen and as she walks to the side of the cage opposite the only cork, remove the cork and immediately cover the hole with your finger. When the queen walks away from the end you are covering, quickly pack a mini marshmallow into the hole to seal it. This will then be the 'candy plug' that will allow the worker bees to slowly eat through to release the queen in a day or two.

We will be providing mini marshmallows on delivery day for those who would like them. We will also have pollen patties available for sale. If you would like a review of the package installation process, we will be available to walk you through the process also.

Best of luck with your new hobby. If you have any questions or comments, fell free to join our group and post a reply here.

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