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Post by davis on Mar 3, 2005 20:55:03 GMT -7
What is the earliest point in the spring when a person could try to get a nuc to raise its own queen? How early are there drones around to mate her? Would trying to have a virgin queen emerge at the beginning of April be ridiculously early?
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Post by HarryVanderpool on Mar 7, 2005 21:27:31 GMT -7
Sorry to say, but this is a question that only you, the beekeeper in your area can answer. The general answer for the Willamette Valley is mid-May. However, everything depends on the drone populations and congregation in proximity to your yards, and weather favorable for mating. This year is a good example of how flawed a general rule of thumb can be. Chances are good for mating in April if the weather continues on as it has been. Even in May or June the weather can take a dump and mess up your plans. Hey, Beekeeping is Farming! Go with your best judgment, and good luck!
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mag
Worker Bee
Posts: 143
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Post by mag on Mar 9, 2005 11:32:49 GMT -7
how do you get foundation that is made for drone sized cells?
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Post by HarryVanderpool on Mar 9, 2005 13:21:23 GMT -7
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Post by beesting on Mar 11, 2005 11:43:17 GMT -7
Mag wrote:
"how do you get foundation that is made for drone sized cells?"
Hi Mag, In the winter I always had a few small mice get into my hives and chew holes here and there in the wax{because my entrances were too wide} when the spring Honey flow started the bees would always fill these holes with drone comb.
My suggestion is: During the comb building time{spring Honey flow} put a few small holes {the size of a quarter?} just under the top bars of the middle of the hive frames, this should cause the bees to fill these holes with drone comb.........But, I don't know why you want drone comb because in a strong colony the bees instinctively build drone comb anyway when they get the swarming urge, from overcrowding.
Best regards........beesting.
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