How We Produce Queens

[@spooks77]

WHY would u want any artificially inseminated queens when u clearly want to save and supprt the bee population, its contradictive and goes against nature. Just NO to anyone who dont do this the natural way its just facepalm tbh. cut away all the fake stuff, specially when u deal with bees, there can, and is, stuff u use to inseminate in one way or another that will alter the queen a tiny bit.

[@bobbinnie9872]

I respectfully disagree. There is actually nothing natural about having honey bees in this country. They are not native. Adding desirable traits to your stock by bringing in different genetics can be advantageous if done mindfully. Although not usually done artificially, look at crosses in the human race. If you are in to reading bee books, check out what Brother Adam writes about mixing races in "Beekeeping At Buckfast Abbey.

[@bobbinnie9872]

@@stevenb2022 I am very thankful that we don't have them.

[@tracyatkins6120]

The area I live in has mostly Africanized wild bees. The African bee gene is very dominate. So AI is idea if I’m making my own queens and want to avoid breeding the Africanized gene.

[@ChristaFree]

I agree.

[@ChristaFree]

@@bobbinnie9872 they've been here for about 400 years though so that point is irrelevant. They're natural to the environment at this point. They can and do survive in the wild.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

I agree totally with the open brood to keep the bees producing I do it by inserting continuous grafts, never letting the girls shut down

[@JBone780]

Not sure why im using this comment box to admit this but i just think bob is such an inspiration to beekeeping. His methods of delivering information and devoted efforts to add in credible texts in his videos goes unmatched. I have learned much over the years from your videos sir and while i explore other beekeepers online i always come back to you. Stay diligent my friend you help so many keepers of bees. Cheers Justin, Canada Alberta

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks and stay warm up there.

[@honeydropfarm1605]

I've watched a bunch of other queen rearing videos just to get people's perspectives, but I got way more out of this one than out of all the other ones put together. So far I've watched it twice and I keep getting more out of it. Bob is an incredible professional and an incredible teacher. The information is so dense that it took me a couple of hours to watch it, because I kept having to pause the video and absorb what he just said before moving on to the next piece of information. I almost never take notes, but I've taken 4 pages of notes. Thank God for Mr. Binnie and for KZbin. This is priceless.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks for the comment, it came at a time when I was wondering if I should keep trying to make these videos.

[@honeydropfarm1605]

@@bobbinnie9872 Then I'm glad I expressed myself. Please keep making them!

[@jasonadams3781]

@@bobbinnie9872 please don't stop making videos!

[@sunsetheritagefarm1189]

@@bobbinnie9872 yes Bob please keep making videos. You have soooooo much knowledge and I’m sure there’s thousands of other beekeepers that are depending on learning as much as possible from you. I know I am!!! Thank you for all the videos you have done so far and please continue!! Lorie

[@kproautojameskirkham591]

I as well, I have watched 3 times already and am watching again. I don’t know about the rest of you however I have a lot to learn and am very grateful to those like Bob that are willing to share their experiences and knowledge 👍 Thank.

[@donbearden1953]

Bob, this video by far is the best that I’ve ever seen on grafting. My hat is off to you! I only try to keep 5 to 7 hives as a hobby to produce honey for my immediate family and a few friends. I’ve only bought 1 nuc and 1 other queen so at this point I don’t see myself doing any grafting but I will definitely remember this video incase I decide to give it a try. Thanks for your videos and I can’t wait to taste your sourwood honey in about one week.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks.

[@mtnmyke]

I LOVE how you quote researchers and use strong science in your operation. Seems like a lot of beekeepers buy into myth and legend more than they should. Keep it up!

[@jayp4083]

Not only do you explain what you do, but most importantly, you explain the WHY. Thank you. Definitely a part of my “saved” library!

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks

[@R_an_D]

Bob You mentioned you didn't know why you have seen so many views on this episode. It's because guys like me have re-watched it so many times, capturing every detail of this method. It's practical, efficient and effective. Have you stopped to think that people who have not been born yet will be watching your work? Randy

[@bobbinnie9872]

That would be something for sure.

[@AmericansBee]

Just did my first graft with 45 cells using mostly this method. Thank you Bob for this and all your videos. AMAZING!!!

[@HakanKayhan]

Hello, I live in Turkey. I am a beekeeper as a hobby. I have about 20 hives. I have been producing my own queen bees for 2 years. this year I applied a method similar to yours. but there are very important details in your method that will increase success. I follow your videos with pleasure and interest. I learned a lot from you. thank you very much for everything. I wish you continued success.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thank you.

[@ohoiboi9818]

You like the Bob Ross of bees calm and intelligent. Glad you are taking the time to make these videos really appreciated

[@AdamWStrickland]

Hello Bob. This is my third or fourth time watching this video now. Same goes for your series with Chris Werner & family... There is so much quality information. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos!

[@elli637]

I appreciate the encouragement you display in your videos. Your voice is easy on the ears and it’s a channel grand children can watch, they love the bees.

[@theheritagehousesc]

A greatly detailed video that made me excited to try crafting my own queens! We lost a few last year. I want to start learning on how to make my own. It will save a lot of money for sure. Thank you Bob for taking the time to teach us👍

[@bayrakov]

I have tried and all work just fine. For first attempt 9 from 15. I hope next round will be even better😊 Thanks, Bob Binnie! You made my day!

[@andywhite9932]

I could listen to you teach all day. Your style and demeanor are relaxing all while boosting our confidence. Truly appreciate every video you release

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thank you.

[@ethangoo3682]

Hello. Bob. I just started beekeeping 2 months ago and would like to mimic how you do it in my apiary in Korea. And thanks for what you said. It encourages me alot. Skill will come with time, skill comes with practice. Last of all, thank all of you for taking the time out of your life to make informative videos about beekeeping and to share your experience.

[@jorgeclaverie6752]

I really enjoy your videos. You have the calm, clarity, speaking voice and general demeanor of a VERY good teacher. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@kareneaton3395]

You are the mentor every beek needs and rarely gets. I know your time is precious and am grateful for your first hand knowledge and experience. Loved the references also. Thanks to KZbin, you won't have to spend your retirement writing a book! (Though we all would benefit from that too!)

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thank you.

[@hamansgapper9755]

Blown away by the detail and quality of your videos. 👍

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks.

[@dannyhiggins6095]

Thanks Bob my 1st attempt at grafting your way this week and got 21 out of 30 so a big 👍to you and your team. Cheers Dan from Aussie land 🍻🍻

[@MegaDavyk]

Defiantly one of the best if not the best video on Queen rearing I have seen, very concise and full of information. Thank You Bob. The Canadian Beekeeper Ian Steppler has a very good video on this too but his technique is different.

[@bobbinnie9872]

I watch Ian a lot and his technique is excellent. Thanks.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Kind of you to say Truth Seaker🥂

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

If you watch Bobs Technique, and watch mine, you see all those basics that we are targeting, but our process is different because we manage different conditions and need to satisfy different requirements . Excellent content Bob❤️👍🇨🇦

[@bobbinnie9872]

@@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog Well said, Thanks

[@ke6gwf]

@@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog oh come on Ian! This is the internet, you're supposed to say Bob's method is wrong since he doesn't do it exactly the same as you. Enough of this "different conditions" palaver... Back in reality, it's really nice to see the two best Beekeeper’s Mentors on KZbin supporting each other. You are in completely different environments, but apply deep logic to the conditions to get amazing results, and really explain your reasoning clearly enough that we can understand the principles and be able to apply them to a different environment. Thank you both!

[@John-ym9ht]

I'm so thankful for all these guys and those that started doing this many, many years ago. Helping get bees propagate and giving new people the opportunity to continue the art of beekeeping.

[@Jack-es9xq]

the idea of isolating the queen on one frame is a stroke of genius

[@subsy83]

Bob, I have gone back and looked at his numerous time now. I appreciate it as I'm now confident enough to try my hand at it myself now. God bless you and keep doing what you're doing. It does help others I promise!

[@BigMountainHoneybees]

I am a new beekeeper and have been attempting to catch swarms in western Washington. If this doesn't work, i will be purchasing packages next spring from local apiaries. I thank you for your videos and your knowledge sir. I have watched many videos and taken courses prior to getting the bees. I have finally collected enough materials and equipment to feel secure for the first year. We watch your equipment building videos too as my husband is a carpenter and is teaching me to make our own equipment. Your are a wonderful teacher and your knowledge and teaching style is amazingly easy to follow and understandable. Thank you, thank you. Maybe a mentorship program would be a next step for you?

[@Biopaseka]

Дорогой Боб. 3 мая сделал все как ты сказал. Сегодня должен был достать маточники. К сожалению у нас холодно. +9 градусов. Я немного поднял прививочную рамку и увидел много маточников. Завтра +13 буду доставать маточники и ставить в нуклеусы. С большой благодарностью к тебе за науку пчеловодства. Огромное спасибо тебе. Dear Bob, on May 3rd I did everything as you said. I had to get the queen cells today. Unfortunately, it's cold here. +9 degrees. I lifted the vaccination frame a little and saw a lot of uteruses. Tomorrow +13 I will take out the queen cells and put them in the nucleus. With great gratitude to you for the science of beekeeping. Thank you so much.

[@maryussindili5595]

One of the best methods for raising queen cells, and one of the best videos on the matter i've seen, thx Bob

[@beehivewithaview9760]

Thanks for the video. With your help and others I successfully grafted my first queens this year.

[@skylineauraearthline8204]

You have exceptional teaching manner, easy to understand and pleasant voice calming example in Presence of your students and bees. Thank you ,you help so many more than you will ever know by your videos contributions.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Ever so gently “nervous laugh” pick up the queen LOL

[@PhillipHall01]

Ian I see you have watched this video more than once also. lol This makes my fourth or fifth time. :-)

[@hootervillehoneybees8664]

Right 1.200 bucks yikes ...great video tried this method back in September made couple grand quick ...

[@kellyellingson2335]

Great video! You give wonderful information and always positive and encouraging

[@IceBug1337]

I like how your methods have a complicated start but are way easier in the end. Thank your for sharing.

[@TimS366]

Thank you Bob for the most helpful video on grafting that I have ever seen. I have been grafting for two years now and I have learnt much from you that I will incorporate for next year. Tim from England.

[@bobbinnie9872]

The home of Brother Adam. Thank you.

[@munibungbeeking1719]

So happy when you’re videos pop up in my feed

[@bobbinnie9872]

Makes me happy too. I enjoy doing them, it's my new hobby.

[@daniels7913]

Hey I have to say thank you for teaching/ showing how to use the double screen board for splitting hives. It works like a charm and the success rate for accepting a new queen is 100%, which is much better than my previous method that I use. I live in Oregon and we have about a hundred hives and I would like to increase that to 300. My issue is always in the winter where 30% of my hives die sometimes. I would like a video how you overwinter bees in a climate like Oregon. Thanks Bob!

[@russellkoopman3004]

May I ask what is the cause of your winter losses? I assume that it's not the sub-zero temps. The double dividing board is a great tool for many things.

[@daniels7913]

@@russellkoopman3004 so about 15-20% of the hives die by October 25 due do absconding, wasps and honey bees robbing. The other 10-15% die due to mites... I think due to having lots of wasps honey bees abscond...

[@bobbinnie9872]

I'm hoping to have time to make a video on prepping for winter. I used to live in Oregon and overwintered OK. The region I'm in now isn't much different for overwintering and we do OK as long as we do everything I know we should do. That's the trick, finding the time to do everything I know we should do.

[@JamesBakerOhio]

@@bobbinnie9872 Will be looking forward to your video on overwintering, this video was excellent 👏 filled with knowledge thank you for the effort

[@bobbinnie9872]

@@JamesBakerOhio Thanks.

[@sergeiostapuk2337]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with other beekeepers

[@AdamTheBeekeeper]

Soaked sponge trick. Had to figure that one out myself last year when my humidity was around 50%. Put the sponge in, humidity climbed to around 78% and my success rate went up dramatically. Thanks for the call out in the video!

[@snowdoniahoney37]

The BEST of many queen reading videos I’ve watched on KZbin - thanks Bob!

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thank you.

[@honeydropfarm1605]

Bob, I actually have a video request. KZbin has videos on starting a successful business, and videos on beekeeping; but very few that put the two things together. If you had the chance to talk to your younger self from 45 years ago, wanting to make your living from beekeeping, I bet you could say a lot about both. If you can this winter, would you mind doing a long video on that topic? In fact, you could probably do a series. I bet a lot of people would benefit. I sure would! I keep bees because I love working bees. To me, the business side of what I want to do is boring. But I know that it's absolutely critical if I want my bees to feed my kids and pay my bills. So I devour all the good advice I can get. Sean Govan Honeydrop Farm

[@jeffsea6490]

This year we started using the JZBZ cell bars they're slightly more narrow so doubling side by side in the cell frame enables 90 cells per frame x 2 frames. Found it to be a better use for all those nurse bees in the builder. Usually 150 or more big cells are made from this method. Very informative video your cloth landing board works quite well. Thanks again for sharing Bob !

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks.

[@hadriendabeille7884]

probably the best tutorial ever on queen raising; thank you so much for putting all those parts together. so many doubts i had you just cleared. thanks again and cheers from southern france

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thank you.

[@smatt566]

You make such great educational contenta about beekeping. I am really glad i found your channel.

[@aymickey]

Hi Bob You are doing a fantastic job Up to now you have given the best commentary about Queen rearing especially the humility factor etc, I’m in the U.K. so weather is not the best early on in the year, Il have to sort an area up that can be used to start Queen rearing I like how you split up the frames, Iv not seen this way before If you can make more videos that would be fantastic Keep up the good work sir

[@scottpierson7495]

Really appreciate the education Bob, Your wood shop is very impressive. I have to battle my wife just to have half the garage for my box building. Great videos thank you.

[@bobbinnie9872]

I'm lucky enough to have a business that allows me to do these things.

[@jasonehlingertaikaceo]

Bob - this was one of the most helpful videos I have seen on the subject of raising your own queens. You provided a huge resource to us viewers on this one. Thank you so much. You perspective on the whole spectrum of beekeeping is one of the most enjoyable and practical ones I have found and I find myself constantly referring to information that you have put out. So many people put up opinions based on only experience, but you link knowledge and solid science with your experience and that provides me and my operation with an invaluable resource. Thank you so much!

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks for the comment.

[@ThatBeeMan]

Bob. This is absolute gold, for a guy like me, just starting my grafting career. Thank-you so much for putting together such a great video on your process. Sadly, I can only click "like" once.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thank you.

[@thomaskoppenhaver2758]

Great video Bob, thank you.

[@randalljames1]

I think my brain is going to pop... what bunch of education to adsorb... Timing is everything... thank you for sharing

[@naturemaster6252]

Fantastic video. Easy to understand and follow.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks.

[@dryridgebeesupply]

As always excellent video I really appreciate you taking the time. I know with as many bees as you have you don't have much time. I always learn something from you each time. Keep them coming there a great joy and help.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks.

[@adamsoutdoors]

Just do it. Failing helps us learn. Gonna give it a shot this spring. Thanks Bob!

[@anthonysamaha6184]

All love from Lebanon, I'm amazed and captivated by your work ❤

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Wow what a great video but at this point I am not ready for all this . I have a great man that I am purchasing all my supplies from at this time but down the road I may try this . I am trying to watch all your videos. I would love to have one of your nuc boxes they look very well built . Please keep up all these great video. Thanks Gene

[@helenhilman]

I agree with Don and many other, best video on queen rearing yet. Next year, I will be setting up my Queen Rearing just like this. Much more streamlined and easy to set up. I'm excited to see if my results improve. Doesn't hurt to start preparing now :) - Thank you

[@bobbinnie9872]

I wish you good luck.

[@PhillipHall01]

I have the same intentions. Thanks to Bob also.

[@tomfuller9010]

Thanks for the video with step by step information making it clear

[@billc3405]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You did a excellent job producing this video very easy to understand and covered each step thoroughly. ☆☆☆☆☆

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks.

[@Smradac]

As a new beekeeper i found it quite intimidating to start making my own queens, just as you mentioned. I know it took me a lot of time to dig through all the materials and videos to make sense on what and when to actually do. Not to mention numerous failed attempts to figure out all the details i didn`t manage to pick up. This is by far one of the most detailed and informative videos i`ve found so far.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thank you.

[@jwchitwood]

Even though I've been rearing queens for a while. I still like watching these how to's. There were a few tricks I'd not heard before.

[@ohoiboi9818]

Imagine trying grafting process after you had one to many cups of coffee bet your hands would shake really bad when you work on something that small. Amazing video love the amounts of usable information and quotes. That trailer is awesome 😎

[@scottreese5492]

I've split 5 into 11 in past 3 weeks (thanks to your double screen board method) and hoping to take on grafting this yr.....gonna watch this video over and over till I muster up faith....pray for me:)

[@andreimolodoi88]

I will try your technique soon this days and I'm pretty sure it will help me rise my best queens. Thank you so much Bob, for sharing your hardly gained and invaluable for us experience. Wish you all the best!

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thank you.

[@badassbees3680]

A little cloakish a lil Palmer..guess it's Binnie lol I Like it Bob, Good Method!!

[@bobbinnie9872]

As long it doesn't sound like a lil BS I'm OK. Thanks.

[@badassbees3680]

@@bobbinnie9872 lol😂😂😂 Your Very Intelligent Bob,I'd Never insult you,best Gem on You Tube, I see people are starting to see what I noticed right from the start! Take care man!

[@johnseyes9335]

One of the best queen production videos out there.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks.

[@jeremyhuggins8796]

Thank you Bob! This is absolute gold! I'm a hobbyist who has only split hives with a queen the bees have already sealed. Can't wait to try this.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks and good luck.

[@mikemcnally4046]

Bob, one step that I didn’t see mentioned is about placing new cups into colony to be polished. Is this a step that is not necessary? Great video-I will be using the info to use on my first grafting soon. Thank you for taking the time to put these together and share your knowledge and expertise.

[@bobbinnie9872]

We use them straight away without pre polishing. Many commercial queen producers I know do the same with good results. Thanks.

[@pnwRC.]

Fantastic video, Bob. THANKS for sharing!

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks.

[@ptahrs]

A real pleasure to listen to you and your presentation, I feel I have learned more by listening to this one video than heaps of others. Have subscribed and will be following you with anticipation. Keep up the good presentations. Peter.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thank you.

[@Jimflawless927]

Thank you. I am watching you build nuc. Big operation.

[@geoffreywallace132]

Fantastic video. Over the years I have purchased a few books, read them all, but in the end I split my hives by using the strongest hives and do not care which side of the split has the queen. 95+% success. Now though, I will certainly give it a go. Thanks for sharing.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks for the comment.

[@yuvalpo]

Thanks a lot for this video. very interesting.

[@GLuft3]

Excellent treatise on the whole process! Thank you for posting it.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks.

[@beemanminnesota7683]

Great teaching video. I would add any newbee watching this should decide to re-queen every spring to ensure their colonies do not pitch a swarm. Second year queens are highly likely to swarm under any crowding pressure. A colony pitching a swarm will not produce honey that year all the power goes with the swarm. Anyone intimidated by grafting queen cell should look into the jenter system. If worried about handling the queen practice catching drones.

[@beekeeping.dolinsek]

Interesting video, as always. Nice to se many ways of making queens around the world.

[@mikemcnally4046]

Great video!!! Well produced and thoughtfully presented. Perfect reference for a beek wanting to start breeding. Thanks.

[@chili.Hawaii]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thank you for posting this and your excellent explanation of each step, along with citing your quotes and stuff. Mahalo plenty!

[@TalRohan]

Awesome video. loads of concise and precise information. Thankyou....for anyone wanting to do beekeeping videos..this is how you do it.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks.

[@whatsupdoc3385]

This is how we save the world's food production. You are the saviors of the world...

[@mattnoble1714]

Excellent video Bob, like you said there are a lot of queen videos out there but you have just made one of the best. Well explained, thanks for sharing this with us.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thank you.

[@timurich4270]

Thank you for providing this content. I appreciate it.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks.

[@jeffsea6490]

*GoodFunVideo* thanks for sharing this content. 👍

[@josephfydenkevez8839]

This is a great story. Thank you very much for sharing

[@walterhiegel5596]

Bob...I am a beginning beekeeper. That being said there are many videos on beekeeping out there but I value your channel a lot and your experience and take on beekeeping is appreciated. I think that getting many perspectives is important. You are the most laid back beekeeper but in addition your information with the support of resources is important. I wish you had talked about the breeder queen hives that you referred to in the beginning of this video that you were gonna talk about at the end. Maybe you did and I just didn't understand where that info was. Like I said I am a noob and anticipate doing a bit of breeding in the future when I finally get an apiary big enough to start. Thanks for taking the time to do these videos.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Sorry, I ended up quoting Brother Adam as to why we keep our breeder queen colony size small rather than talking about it. As to the breeders themselves see our video "Introducing Caucasian Bees Into Our Apiary" kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3mudWxqibxlppI. Thanks for the comment.

[@scottpierson7495]

Bob thank you for the great Video’s, the education I get from you guys on this channel is awesome and can’t thank you enough.

[@scalenussq3394]

Dear Bob, as I already told you in an email, I think you´re a fantastic mentor ( via youtube ), your calm and relaxed way of presenting your great knowledge, just fantastic!! I get excited seeing a blue dot next to your channel, and once again..fabulous!!! By far one of the best videos about queen rearing!! Can´t wait for the sourwood honey shipped to Austria, childhood memories, sending greetings from Salzburg, AUSTRIA, Philip

[@bobbinnie9872]

Austria!! Thanks.

[@_._._._lilith_._._._4658]

I subbed cuz he is a wholesome old man. Omg so precious

[@chan108dra]

Thank you kindly Super excellent tutorial video Appreciate

[@marylacksen7825]

Outstanding video! It clearly lays out and demonstrates the queen rearing process. Thanks to all your team and your bees.

[@hadriendabeille7884]

Hi Bob, applied the same and exact set up which I found astonishing, for a 40 queen cells test. I was on a strong honey flow. I followed exactly your instructions. I did place my queen on top. 5 days later when I came back to check the acceptance, I could not find any young larvae on the top box, nor the queen. I first thought I had killed her which likely happened to me in 12 years of beekeeping. Then I checked the graft, only 60% accepted (i am more between 88 to 92% on a normal starter), and I found her on the bottom box, trying to find a place to lay in the honey/pollen. My excluder was a full board so she couldnt not make it through, she had to go out by the entrance of the top box and go walking all the way around and down. I repeat I applied exactly the protocol you describe. The only difference would be the entrance of the top box which is bigger than on your hive, but still at the other side of the entrance of the bottom box, and my excluder which was a full board. Cheers from France :)

[@bobbinnie9872]

I'm sorry to hear of your problems. We do this on several hives every week and very rarely have a problem. Perhaps next time it will go better for you.

[@daviddowen3887]

Excellent work here Bob. The amount of information you give out is amazing. I started raising my own queens this year. I am waiting on my third round of virgins to be mated right now. I started with 2 colonies this year and am up to 6 with 4 mating nucs. It's been a challenge with my limited resources I'll say. Getting queen cells is the easy part. Getting mated queens has been a challenge for me. I'm hoping to overwinter in double nuc boxes this winter and not have to buy nucs next year. I only have time to maintain 10 to 15 hive with kids, family, and work schedules.

[@bobbinnie9872]

It sounds like you're having fun. I like to say beehives are like rabbits. Turn around twice and you'll wonder where they all came from.

[@daviddowen3887]

@@bobbinnie9872 Yes, it's been fun learning how to do this. My Dad had a couple thousand hives when I was a kid and I spent a lot of time in the bees. He never raised queens and I've always wanted to do it. I finally got it together and am having a lot of fun this year. I've been using a Cloake board since I don't have the resources to set up dedicated cell builders. In my last round I got 14 of 20 capped cells. When I pulled the cells on day 15 there were only 9 left. I put 4 cells in nucs and the other 5 in my incubator. Of the 5 cells in the incubator, only 2 emerged and only 1 of the ones in the nucs emerged. I opened up all the cells that didn't emerge and it looked like the queens just didn't fully develop. Any thoughts on what is going on?

[@bobbinnie9872]

@@daviddowen3887 The possibilities are many. Temperature- to high, to low. Viruses from mites or poor nutrition. Pesticides or contaminated comb or maybe not enough nurse bees. I hope your next try is better.

[@soulfate2]

Very good.. greetings from New Zealand

[@ardiahmeti5779]

Such a great technique! It is the second year, I am making my own queens, but I see some of details you’re explaining are really beneficial to me. Hopefully I will get to make good quality queens! Thanks ! Please keep sharing your experiences! Best Regards!

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks and good luck.

[@calvinkalmon6746]

The Skinny Bee Man has some good instructions on his channel for sanding down the tip of the Chinese grafting tool to make it thinner, works very well.

[@nancynolton6079]

Great video! Tried my hand at grafting twice this year and had good results for a first time ever grafter. LOL The second go round actually had more cells than I could possibly use so ended up selling some that were just ready to emerge. Very satisfying to have made some of my own "queenies" and share with others. Also tried some of the mini mating boxes (foam board like) to get some queens mated for sale. Those worked pretty well but I think I prefer a nuc or castle being easier to work. Run about 30 or so hives over the winter (for spring nuc sales) and have had 100% winter survival four years in a row here in south central Pennsylvania... hoping for five! Flow up here was fantastic this year unless you didn't stay ahead of your bees then all you got were swarms or back-filled brood nests and no queen! Keep your videos coming they are very helpful for really learning something useful. Being fully sustainable is the way to go!

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks for the comment. Sounds like you're having fun.

[@nancynolton6079]

@@bobbinnie9872 Having a blast in retirement! My husband loves it that I bring in spending money with queen, nuc and honey sales. He is amazed that folks will spend good money on a single bug!

[@paulschaefer5241]

You pulled the grafting frame out and had about 90% success. You then said it was typical, I was surprised to hear that. most of the videos I've seen on line consider it good to graft 48 cells and get about 12 queens. That what seems typical to me. I must also admit most don't do it the way you do.

[@PutEmInTheBox]

A 25% take is horribleness

[@dhanghale690]

Thank you Bob for posting this video its very use full. Last few years I was using different method to produce my queens but I'm planning to use this your method which seems productive and use full.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks, I hope it works well for you.

[@scottparrish2422]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom

[@billhedger3517]

Very insightful and interesting

[@jeanettewestover]

This was a great video .. I'm considering Bees thank you for all the work you do to get us queens ...

[@trevor311264]

I have tried grafting, but with very little success, I now realise, having seen the photo of the larvae on the grafting tool that the ones I have been trying with were probably too young as they had almost no royal Jelly. I will try again in the spring, thanks for this very informative video.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Glad it helped.

[@soulfate2]

Have you tried re-queening up the excluder in the honey super with cell protector? Allows the virgin more time to “get stronger” before she zooms through the excluder to find the original queen and knock her off We do it in New Zealand .. works Great videos guys!

[@bobbinnie9872]

I have not. I've tried it without an excluder with mixed results. Your idea makes sense, I'll have to try it. Thanks.

[@rayjohnson8329]

I would have to concur. I’ve gotten more out of this than any others. I’ve now watched it a dozen times and think I have it committed to memory! Thanks for the great teaching and hard work. Keep making them to make us all better BEEKS!! It’s helped me tremendously. 3 rd year from 2 nucs to 30 colonies and looking to add 15-20 more this year. . I’ve had 3 years of clean inspections so let me know if you need some honey?! LOL. I’m in an established area so honey sales are tough.

[@bobbinnie9872]

I was too in the beginning. After a few years of good service I didn't have to work at sales too much. They just came.