Beekeeping Experiment | How To Introduce A New Queen To Your Hive

[@loisknight2013]

This is my second year beekeeping and my first hive swarmed this spring, but either lost or killed the queen when trying to save the swarm. I inspected several times but couldn't find queen. I tried introducing a frame with queen cells on it but with no success. I waited about a month, checking weekly- they were bringing in pollen, and storing honey but no queen and soon I began noticing drone cells and open larvae and many eggs in cells, I knew I had laying workers.. SOOO- I took a chance to save these bees. Watching a youtube video, I placed a sheet of newspaper over my new nuc I purchased this year and placed the queenless hive on top of the newspaper. I waited a week and did an iinspection and they have chewed through the paper and are thriving!!! I looked into purchasing a new queen but to have one shipped overnite it was $80.00- didn't make much sense on a free hive. Just wanted to share this, I'm very happy I saved these bees.

[@Spiffytheweed316]

This is my first year bee keeping and I had to replace my Queen in august because she wasn’t laying. Your videos and your book have been a lot of help in navigating the waters. The new Queen was laying eggs in a matter of days… 🎉

[@christinecontelmo9264]

I was hesitant my first year to join a club for the reasons you shared. After watching all of your videos and taking your courses I became more comfortable and confident enough to join a club. Luckily the club I found has been great and has provided me with a wealth of information. I’ve learned to just listen and offer what I have learned with those who ask.

[@beek]

Nice to hear.

[@christinecontelmo9264]

@@beek looking forward to meeting you in Ithaca.

[@whispershuman5742]

I took the overwintering bees course last week and I loved it! I feel like I have so many more details that I didn't realize before. As soon as I can afford it, I want to take the diseases course. Congrats on your confidence! I've only been doing this for 4 years and I remember how it feels to inspect your bees and KNOWING what you're looking at :D We're in it to win it!

[@mikefortney7879]

Wow. Coffee time was great. Funny and so true.

[@beek]

Thank you Mike, and glad you liked coffee time!!

[@PapaBee165]

I’ve belonged to a bee club since I began beekeeping 3years ago. There’s lots of benefits to belonging to the club but in all honesty, I’ve learned much more from KZbin videos than the club. There’s so much knowledge on these videos you can learn all about the hobby.

[@theflorencesoffgridjourney2960]

Awesome video David. If your passing through Parkersburg WV on your way to NY stop on by. Our doors always open, plates always full and fellowship is plentiful. Safe travels.

[@beek]

I appreciate that, but I'll be 35,000 feet above you.

[@finbarwoitalla7248]

Yay for coffee time! Thank you for that. I got a kick out of my comment being splashed on the screen 😊 Your queen cage experiment was really interesting. I appreciate that your inquisitive approach even at your advanced level of beekeeping.

[@walterverheyen1263]

I was in my second beeclub. I even took the lessons again. The president was such a guy who would talk down to others. He was only interested in himself and how great he was. One day he litterally said to me : "you just can't keep bees, you know". I took my stuff and left, never went there again. I really felt bad and alone, and I even wanted to quit, but the love for bees kept me from quitting. I think a channel like this one is even better, you can choose which movie to watch and when.

[@beek]

That's too bad. We never should allow comments like that to make us feel bad, we should just feel sad for those who speak like this.

[@miyamotoyamazaki1760]

I want to start beekeeping and I'm learning alot form your channel thank you

[@neilstafford4166]

Thank you Dave for all the good videos. I am a beginner and watch you videos for educational purposes and love them.

[@beek]

Thanks Neil, glad they are helpful, and it's cool that you are a new beekeeper. Good luck

[@jweaver7170]

The explaining of every move top notch instruction.

[@emmawood2784]

The problem I have is I want to ask advanced questions but get treated like a very basic who knows nothing so I keep my mouth shut because if I ask I get the know it all look but I don’t know it all that’s why I’m asking. So I watch people like you and go to club because you always pick some thing up even without asking. 😁

[@beek]

Sorry to hear you are treated that way at clubs. Many beekeepers only want to know just enough to get by, maybe they do not have time or the interest to learn more, I get it.

[@thadscalf5350]

This is a super timely video for me in my first year. I ordered a new queen yesterday after a queen failed to return from her mating flight. She should be here in a couple days.

[@TinyTrailFarm]

Another "top drawer" video Dave! Good luck with the editing/editor help, can't wait to see how the search story comes together (with or without edits). Always love the videos and find myself watching beginning to end each episode. Thanks for all of your hard work. As a newBEE here in Cashiers, NC (western NC mountains) this is all perfect info. Finally, signing up this week for winter classes you have online. Our winter season comes late October so the school work begins now. Thanks again, YOU ROCK! Kevin

[@peteadams8016]

Excellent video Thanks! I’m a second year beekeeper in N. California. You are spot on regarding bee clubs. Good advice for new student, club members and teachers.

[@beek]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thomasplummer2673]

As always David, thank you, even if it is information I have already learned it's always good to be reminded, so keep reminding me.

[@ruthpenick4520]

I am a newbie and I have learned so much from watching your videos. I refer people to watch your videos if they are thinking about starting beekeeping

[@laurameno9595]

We belong to ECOBA ( East Central Ohio Bee Keeper Association). Everyone is absolutely amazing and we all help each other out! We are so fortunate.

[@beek]

So good to hear Laura!

[@amandaaskew7606]

Thank you, David! Again, a timely video! I am getting a new queen later this week for a swarm I caught last week. I also enjoy coffee time, BUT I realize it takes a lot more of your time.

[@sandracimonetti5307]

I am a first year bee keeper with a top bar hive. My daughter gave me a little swarm- it was about twice the size of a softball. I took a new bee keeper class then went to club meeting. When they found out I had a top bar hive, someone said that was mostly a yard ornament. My hive is now working on its 17th bar and is thriving.

[@gabrielezimmerman9146]

I Love your focus on teaching, instead of being critical. I try to use that in all aspects of my life. Also, I really liked your shirt today! Very cute!

[@beek]

Glad it was helpful! Sheri got me the shirt, and I think it's cool too.

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Hello David talking about people putting other people down. I had a person that I had been watching his bee videos. I have watched quite a few of his but not all . One night he had one where he was doing inspection an I just ask him about what style of queen excluder he liked the best an WOW he slap went off on me . He said I guess people would like for him to answer questions an not watch his videos. He was just a plain snob about just getting his thoughts on what he liked the best. 🤷‍♂️. Well now to a good thing your shirt you have on in this video just about fits me to a tee . The only thing is the bottom number for me would be 84. As always thanks for the time you put into all this to help people out . THANKS

[@beek]

I'm not sure who the KZbin content creator was, but that's too bad. I love seeing comments and questions. I have over 400 videos on KZbin so I can easily receive over 1,000 comments and questions a week. Maybe he was just overcome and frustrated by the sheer volume of questions. I try to answer as many questions as I can, but in reality I can only answer about 1% of the questions on KZbin. The more complicated the question for me, the less likely I can take the time to try and figure out and answer it.

[@thomaskoppenhaver2758]

Great videos David, thank you for posting them. I also like the coffee time comments as well.

[@alanhale6687]

Really liked the wax foundation question and answer. I had this problem for 2 years and couldn’t find any information on what to do. Wasn’t till early this someone suggested add wax to foundation. Thank you for the extra tip!!

[@kathywhite-crow3595]

Thank you for another timely video. I was just wondering about the queen and cages. Also the adding the frames to the upper box. I just did that because it made sense but I wasn't sure if I could do it 😹 Again David thanks.

[@beek]

There you go, you thought correctly.

[@tomk75huntsman71]

Thank you David! Very informative video, and well put so we all can understand it!

[@PaulLandowski-e5f]

I have one plastic frame at the hive wall in each box. Pull the plastic frame first. Then, peal out the the others, Saves a lot of broken frames and time.

[@beek]

I like that!

[@WildwoodsBeekeeping]

Hello David, love the videos!

[@phyllisflorian3540]

Thanks, David. As always, extremely helpful. Love the shirt, too!

[@phyllisflorian3540]

P.S. also loved the coffee talk... a relevant topic. Thanks!

[@halleyevans1980]

David you are my fave bee channel :) You and your wife are lovely thank you for all you guys do :)

[@beek]

So nice of you to say!

[@garyRt23Bees]

I have found that when getting a package, chances are the bees have been in that package for 2-3 days or more even. Generally the queen in inside the package in a queen cage being fed by the worker bees. Being that the bees have been inside with that queen for 2-3 days, they have already accepted her. Often you can do a direct release into the hive. I do put on a frame with bees and watch for just a minute to make sure they don't want to ball her for any reason.

[@cathymontgomery7295]

David, this is a bee related question just not a queen question. Back in July 2020 you did a video on extraction of a couple of frames. You dated the frames when you put them back. I believe the date was July 29th and you were going to check back in a couple of weeks to see how long it took them to refill it or if they would late late. Did you ever check those frames? Btw I'm going to be extracting honey for the first time as soon as my equipment gets here. I'm going to leave one full size honey super on for the bees. And I am subscribed :-)

[@paulkish007]

Hurt people hurt people. My experience most show grace and mercy

[@martenapperloo1055]

I find David by put the cage sloping on a angle facing up works best for me ,my theory is that insects always try to go to the highest point, also would like to see how you put attendance into the cage while also trying to keep the queen in the cage all at the same time

[@charlesvickers4804]

Lost 50 hives in hurricane Mathew. Before I could get back to them termites had got in so bad had to just burn them. I have my original ha e that is stacked to over 4 ft. Doing well. Now have ms and can't lift the boxes and considering top bar hives to get back into it.

[@EstLine-ee]

First: cool shirt 😊, Secondly: you make the best videos for beginner beekeeper, I have learnd alot from you. Thank you 👍

[@beek]

Well, thank you so much, I appreciate it. Sheri got me that shirt.

[@altaylor293]

There can be an issue with installing the cage with the candy on top. In a hot climate, sometimes the candy can melt and drip on the queen which can injure her. I have installed thousands of queens with all 3 types of cages and I always put the cage horizontally so the candy cannot drip on her. Also the caged attendants don't close off the opening as could happen as you described when the candy is placed down.

[@beek]

all good points

[@sandiriggert5345]

Great video! I always learn something so thank you for that. Do you mark your queens you send out in packages? Funny you took a B team 6 call. You're a hoot.

[@dontannery1805]

Cool stuff I've never been to a big club I have had people tell me I should start one cause there are nothing in our area for 200 miles. I wish you would telling us in depth about your coffee because I love coffee too You know how you do the beans and all where you get them Thanks for a great video

[@dontannery1805]

Supposed to be bee club

[@beek]

I've shown that before in a previous video Don, but do not have a clue which one or when it was, so maybe I'll do that again soon.

[@jimmykramertheswolehunter1980]

Is it ok to add a honey supper when the nectar flow is slow. This is our first year and one hive has two deeps doing well. The bottom is fully drawn out with bees on 8-9 frames, and the top deep has about 6 to 7 frames drawn out and filled in with brood and nectar/honey with around 3 full frames of bees. My thought is that since we have no comb on our super frames because this is our first year that if they have extra wax for comb they will draw out the foundation if they can.

[@beek]

Yes, watch my video I made on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKnVqZ2moLtoqbM

[@cathymontgomery7295]

My bee club is a good one. They have a time especially for new beekeepers before the main meeting. I've never felt talked down to. But covid really messed up the meeting schedule. They had zoom meetings instead of face to face meetings. And I didn't want to go that route. So I haven't been to an actual meeting for a while. But there are people I can call and talk to

[@lindadeavers8875]

David, You can go to your local high school. There you will find skilled young people with incredible skills, looking for college money. The technical schools as well will. Both my grandsons are such young men. Hope this helps

[@Beekeeping_Bro]

Nice work bro, thank you

[@brandonhannam2240]

Hey Dave , I have to introduce a new queen Wednesday/ my first time introducing a new queen with the exception of when I got my my nuke. Wondering if you can tell me where in my hive I should put the queen cage in order to see if she gets accepted or not. I have 2 brood boxes. Was thinking I should put queen cage in the bottom box ??

[@brianschaeffer6161]

Enjoyed your experiment. Dave my question for you. When you add your second brood box do you move the green drone comb up to the upper box to make it easier to check on it. I rarely get into the lower brood box once I’ve added the second box. Thanks Brian

[@TheSoilandGreen]

Most clubs have a main talker, if you find the right club they will help you. California has delta bee club that I know is awesome in the Central Valley. Then president is a beekeeper and pollinator. Bright guy.

[@Benham_Design]

I would love to see a more scientific test, side by side observation hives with 3 different queens.

[@rinahugo4586]

I just installed a new Deep Frame Isolation Cage (Item FICI) from Better Bee with a new caged queen. I will return to the isolation cage in 10-14 days. I will be able to find the queen and see eggs and larva. No longer have to inspect the entire brood box to locate a live active queen. At 77 I have seeing problems.

[@beek]

Makes sense. Those are used alot in experiments within the hive, confining the queen in the caged frame or to keep her out. Just be careful when lifting the frame in and out it doesn't scrape against the cage. Also, they usually take up the space of two frames. Once you see that she is out laying well I'm sure you will release her either by removing the top or the cage all together.

[@paulineolive940]

All human groups have challenges. A problem with human interactions is that we bring our own mindset into the equation and our interpretation of responses comes from our own prior assumptions. Not to say people cannot be snobs or rude but a deep breath can go a long way 🤪

[@소소한날들]

Goodmorning ^^

[@calvincheney7405]

Ah ha! Great tip!

[@marobroski2286]

Dziękujemy.

[@beek]

My Polish is rusty but I'll try: To takie urocze, bardzo dziękuję

[@chuckgross6024]

I have to agree, the yellow foundation is frustrating, I had some beutiful comb I had to remove do to it not being drawn on the foundations. the black foundations dont seem to have any issue (so far)

[@bradgoliphant]

Yes, I found bee clubs to me somewhat closed minded. Like the few I tried to attend, did not allow me to talk about Flow Hives. One even did not like me talking about 8 frame equipment. I'm sure there are some incredible clubs out there--I wish I could find it.

[@beek]

Now that's sad. The Flow Hive and 8 frame equipment is an alternative way to keep bees and is a plus for lots of people and should not be treated like it's a disease.

[@julieconnors-pv8kc]

i wondering do you treat mite in winter i have alot them saying using one heat vapor and do same spring.should be treating mite in wintr even know did fall.when supost keep hive closed is to much on bees when closed up that way for winter

[@sherryortiz227]

Wow. A phone call during a video?

[@larryjungwirth7493]

My queen is gone and the brood frames are eggless and broodless, no queen cells, so what happen and what can I do?. Can I add a queen or do I need a couple frames of brood with fresh eggs and let them make a queen. It is July 4th and in MN

[@TheSoilandGreen]

Like Mr. Burns here

[@bradgoliphant]

David, do you know if bees need to produce more wax with natural drawn comb vs foundation? Does foundation somehow give them a head start on building out wax?

[@beek]

We've always felt bees produce comb faster on foundation, giving them a head start.

[@tjones2ful]

Are bees do not like the black frames. They pull the light yellow frames the best for us. I wish they would like the black for the background.

[@beek]

That shouldn't matter at all to your bees. Wonder if one had more wax coated on than the other.

[@royschrader8003]

David, you need a Tschibo coffee maker. Fresh grind every cup!

[@beek]

Roy, Tchibo really does look so cool.

[@royschrader8003]

@@beek, Our German Club bought two auction one to pay for both.

[@puttyputt5074]

What is your recommended paint to paint hives?

[@beek]

Any exterior latex. Hope you can join my livestream tonight at 7pm central: kzbin.infoRHGE5_tnl5A

[@shirleyrust9165]

I have noticed that a lot of the people put holes in their honey supers. Is this a good thing or bad thing I live in Texas and the temperature gets extremely warm like today it was 104 with 107 index

[@beek]

Not worth it. Better ways to keep your hive cool and it can cause robbing.

[@ronaldrichardson7612]

Dave I have a theory about Black foundation vs. yellow I wonder if it's because it's the brood chamber and the bee's like to be in the dark and yellow foundation reflects light into the nest,,, where as yellow foundation in supers are above the nest not reflecting any light,,, or the foragers aren't as sensitive as the house and nurse bee's???

[@beek]

But then their own wax is a bright white that turns yellow then brown after many years.

[@jimmyc451]

i have heard freezing frames that had wax worms will make them safe is that true?

[@beek]

Yes freezing frames infested with wax moths will kill all stages.

[@rebeccahoffman5914]

I am in desperate need of a possible answer. I placed a caged queen and know as of an hour ago she is out of cage. I am worried that no matter how I deal with things that if my queen is alive I don't want her honey bound again.I don't think there are eggs yet.I don't know where my queen is.I feel a total failure

[@beek]

Hi Rebecca, I cannot grasp the totality of your situation, but wait a week if you just placed your queen in a hive and check for eggs.

[@bettycarter1376]

Thank you for your video I learned a lot. You hit my problem with my club I joined. Can I still join your be team 6. I have takened your classes. You talk to people like they are not stupid. I will keep going back to my courses To learn iam just slow.

[@beek]

Hi Betty, check online to see if BeeTeam6 has openings: www.honeybeesonline.com/beekeeping-mentor/

[@laurameno9595]

Do you use a French press?

[@beek]

Absolutely!!!!!!!!!!

[@smheitor1065]

What is a Queen candy?

[@MasterWills]

I might be trying out a 4-H beekeeping club here in WV. Does anyone know if it’s worth it?

[@beek]

Good idea

[@reginawhite1235]

I'm I'm in Fairmont West Virginia. I have not heard of the beekeeping 4-H club. if it's ok to ask, What county are you in? I'll have to look the 4H club up. . btw south West Ohio beekeeping club has loads of zoom meetings offered for free, more if you are a member.

[@beek]

We are in Vermilion county Illinois

[@jaimedemick2630]

I edit videos David!

[@laurieshatney9279]

Bee clubs here in Vermont are horrible. They are snobs and rude. I can't find a mentor at all and that is why I have subscribed to many youtube channels on bee keeping. I hope and pray that I can get some bees to survive here in Vermont. I haven't had any success yet, so I hope to keep trying, but the cost of new bees is very expensive. We live in the midst of bear country and a friend of mine just told me about a bear board. Curious if you have ever heard of a bear board? Thank you for taking the time to teach us.

[@beek]

Sorry to hear about your bee club experience Laurie. Never heard of a bear board.

[@laurieshatney9279]

@@beek From what I understand, it is a piece of plywood filled with lots of nails or screws in it and placed upside down around the hives so when bears come near, they step on it and it hurts their feet and they leave. I would like to hear from anyone who has tried it and if it has worked. Thanks

[@chrismarro1867]

Do you have room in your B 6 team

[@beek]

Hello Chris, you will just have to attempt to sign up, and it will not let you move forward if we are full. Here's the link: www.honeybeesonline.com/beekeeping-mentor/

[@Fano775]

I like to start soon Please help me

[@donnaspitzer3528]

The long torturous shaking with the powder sugar is cruel. Even if they live they are most likely so damaged. Definitely plan to do alchohol instead.

[@beek]

I've heard people say powdered sugar shakes are harmful to bees, but I have yet to find the study. If anyone finds it let me know. I may do this study this summer.

[@johnemmenecker4859]

You NEVER put the candy up! The candy can heat up in the hive, liquify and fall onto the queen. Always place the candy down!

[@TheSoilandGreen]

11:00 tons of bees

[@TheBaconWizard]

I find that attitude you're talking-about is very prevalent on beekeeping forums as-well. Any time I ask a question someone has to perform their superior knowledge rather than answering the damn question, or give their opinion on why the thing I am asking-about isn't legitimate.

[@phengher8160]

Could have used this a week ago lol jk thank you

[@beek]

You'll need it for in the future.

[@garyRt23Bees]

Unfortunately, it seems Beekeeping clubs are full of people that want to make a name for themselves. Often politics seem to rule. I recommend finding a mentor to work with one to one and do you own research also. Many beekeepers are set in their ways and feel their way is aways the best. Then they get upset with you if you do not follow their every move.

[@beek]

Unfortunately sooo true

[@chrismarro1867]

Can you open your hive too much

[@beek]

I'm answering that in a video I'm making later today, to be published tomorrow.