Marking and Clipping Queens

Paul Kelly, research and apiary manager, explains best practices to clip and mark queen bees.
Frequently asked questions: hbrc.ca/faq/
A descriptive transcript is available here: www.uoguelph.ca/oac/sites/uog...
For more videos, check out the University of Guelph's Honey Bee Research Centre youtube channel at this link:
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We would like to thank Québec beekeepers Marie-Hélène Majeau and Susan Kennerknecht for translating our videos into French. We are very grateful for their help with this project. (To view translation, click on settings then subtitles)
Nous aimerions remercier deux apicultrices du Québec, Marie-Hélène Majeau et Susan Kennerknecht pour la traduction de ces vidéos en français. Nous leur en sommes très reconnaissants. (Pour accéder à la traduction française, sélectionnez paramètres et ensuite sous-titres)

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thank you to everyone for watching and supporting our videos! If you have any questions about our videos, please check out our list of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS on our website, which can be found at honeybee.uoguelph.ca/videos/frequently-asked-questions/

[@FrederickDunn]

I get so many questions regarding how to clip wings and mark queens. When the ground is so well covered here, I'd rather share your video than make my own. I really appreciate your channel and fantastic information. Excellent, and I thank you for sharing what you are doing and how you're doing it. I'll be sharing this link! :)

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Frederich Your videos are great too. Congratulations on your success. Please do share our video on clipping and marking. Our new employees lean this in their first few weeks. The hardest part for them is committing to pick up the queen the first time!

[@FrederickDunn]

@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre Thank you so much! I'm back today, sharing your link with another viewer. :)

[@guybonneau2284]

It seems you are using a medical scissor type. Can you provide a detailed description or a link to the scissors you use. That would be helpful since hundreds exist: suture, bandage, surgical, ...

[@chadboling1195]

What is the color code and what colors for what years?

[@wilfredkube8570]

There is an interesting phrase which is used to remember the colour code. This phrase is in the form of a question, "Will You Raise Good Bees?" The initial letters of these words, W Y R G B, are the initial letters of the colour names "White, Yellow, Red, Green Blue", and they are used to represent the digits "1, 2, 3, 4, 5", and also "6, 7, 8, 9, 0". Because there are ten different digits, but we have used only five different colours, each colour could represent two different digits. White = 1 or 6. Yellow = 2 or 7. Red = 3 or 8. Green = 4 or 9. Blue = 5 or 0. We use the last digit of the year number, so for the year 2019, which ends with a "9", we use the colour Green. Queen bees can live for a few years, but it is unlikely that you will ever be confused as to which year number a queen bee was raised. Suppose that you found a queen with a "Yellow" paint spot, you would say, "Yellow means 2, or 7". That would mean year number 2012, or 2017. Yellow will be used again in the year 2022, but that would not be the correct answer here. You would know that in this case the queen would be from 2017. It could not be from 2012 unless she was seven years old.

[@Rubie_the_Black_Widow_Subie]

This is the first I've heard of clipping queen wings. What is the purpose of reason behind it? Is it to prevent absconding?

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

4:33

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Rubie. You could also see or video titled 'Swarm Prevention' for a few comments about why we clip.

[@rubberspoon]

It's what human calls forced slavery. They clip so she can't flee when they smoke them so they can harvest the honey. Bees in the wild will suck up honey when they think there is a wildfire so they have material to build a new colony, But when the queen bee is cliped she can't flee and is a sack of meat that gives birth in bondage so we can eat honey.

[@climb315]

Thank you wery much for your great video. You clip half of the wing..only one? And... wouldnt the bees see this queen as "damaged" and replace...kill her? Thank you!

[@carolinewithers1647]

no

[@Jknudsen0523]

Handling queens makes me so nervous. Handling her the way you do, is there any risk at all of breaking her legs?

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

You do have to handle the queen gently but it's not that hard to do. Practise on drones first.

[@danielgosden7207]

@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre. I am very wary about handling my queen incase I'm to clumsy. Practice on drones first. Thank you.

[@carldaniels3659]

sir, when you clip the wing of the queen, will her attendants recognize that something is wrong with her and begin to produce a superceder cell?

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Carl Not if you do it as shown in the video.

[@eriklizandro9]

Mr Kelly, do you clip top and bottom wing?

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi There Erik We only clip the upper ( larger) wing.

[@calvarybaptistofclintwood2480]

Why aren't the bees attacking?

[@kennethhatmaker607]

Why do you clip the queen that you install

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

It prevents her from being able to fly so -we can handling the queen without her flying away - she can't leave with a swarm - it acts as a backup to the paint mark in case the mark wears off

[@kennethhatmaker607]

@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre will they not superseed her with that bad wing

[@framcesmoore]

Ha Mr Kelly I live in virginia I would like to get some buckfast bees, can u take a queen and put her in a itatian hive. I asked u this before but I can not find if u answered my question thanks and have a great day like always the videos are great

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

entre 26 minutes ago Hi Frances Yes you can introduce a Buckfast queen into an Italian hive. We have a couple other Buckfast breeders in Ontario that do some exporting to the US. We (the University of Guelph) don't export). Please see our website for more information. www.uoguelph.ca/honeybee/breeding-purchase-queens.shtml

[@zotto30]

Do the queen bee’s wings ever grow back?

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

No they don't Christopher.

[@notag_channel]

Do your arms grow back if you cut them? - Sorry for the very direct question, just food for thoughts. I find this "practice" barbarian and very wrong.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

@@notag_channel Hi TP You are certainly entitled to your opinion. Unlike a queens wings, my arms have nerves that feel and they get used all day, every day. Once a queen mates she won't ever fly again - unless she gets a once in ten lifetimes chance of flying out with a swarm.

[@justgotravels]

Where r u guys located? And any tips to find the queen during a removal

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi There We are in Guelph Ontario Canada. No tips on that as it's not something we do.

[@lindadarwisy7297]

Why do we need to clip the wing?? They need to have mating flight right?

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

We clip the wing after the queen has mated and is laying eggs. It not necessary to clip her wing but I do this for a few reasons. 1. a back up to the paint mark 2. ease of handling the queen 3. a slight swarm deterrence

[@Molluskenkoenig]

Nobody who honestly cares for bees does that anymore. At least here in Germany. It is an outdated, cruel and ineffective method.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

@@Molluskenkoenig It is effective for the reasons I use the method. I have mentioned these reasons in the video and in the comments. It is the equivalent of getting a haircut or cutting your finger nails. The queen doesn't feel any pain.

[@lindatson]

Why do they clip the queen bee,s wing

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Linda As a backup to the paint marking (in case the paint comes off) and as a method to delay or possibly prevent swarming.

[@gtate135]

So if the hive swarms it can’t fly away.

[@redpanther1027]

Cause their cunts

[@TimForber69]

So that they can't fly away. It's awful really. Go vegan :D

[@eroorefulufoo6625]

why do beekeepers use different colours for different years?

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

As a way of telling how old the queen is. White, yellow, red green, blue for years 2010,2011, 2012, 2103, 2014 repeat for 2011 and so on. It's an international code!

[@mrp8317]

Plus help make it easy to know roughly when you should requeen for strength of colony like a queen can live up to 6 years and after the first 3 her production drops

[@timothyorourke895]

id you put a slight cut in the adbomen by accident will it do harm ?

[@eclipticcat]

Yes!

[@wadebarnes6720]

What kind of paint pen do you use

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Wade My preference is Painters brand by Aylmers. I buy them from amazon and get the 'neon' set. I think that's also in our FAQ so check out the link honeybee.uoguelph.ca/videos/frequently-asked-questions/

[@akivazohar2502]

I have a question on clipping At a future point the hive will swarm and this older queen that we just clipped would expect to lead the swarm how can she do this with a clipped wings?

[@bibbabibba1975]

akiva zohar the idea is that this prevents swarming

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

The clipped queen can't leave with a swarm but the hive could still swarm with a virgin they have reared. I really clip queens more as a backup to paint marking - in case the paint comes off.

[@kavindrasinghthapa3897]

@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre dear sir, iam from india at Northerm himalayan Reason, i always watch your Video . Here in my area apice cerana is Reared mostly. Last year i clipped the wings of queen , surprising same queen came out with swarm. I captured them in a basket , Then Resettle them in new box.

[@chadcutshall]

For as much as you handle the queens do they ever sting you?

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

No, queens only ever sting other queens.

[@matpetics]

@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre Not true. Young queens can sting, of course. I felt that pain few years ago.

[@rick5078]

would something more permanent than water based like hobby model paint also work?

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Rick Oil based hobby model paint works too but it takes longer to dry and has a strong smell so you can't release the queen as quickly. I like to use water based Elmer's, Painter brand as it is very durable.

[@macyplantain6176]

@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre cruelty. They are animals, not objects

[@cruzenchic134]

@@macyplantain6176 They are not animals. They are insects. Please, if you are going scream out cruelty, at least have your facts straight!! Trying to make this sound worse than it really is, by calling insects, animals only makes you look like a fool.

[@puloybee]

Any negative effect of clipping?

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

No negative effect. The queens last just as long and don't feel a thing.

[@jackwebster8720]

Thank you for this and all these GREAT videos! Such mentoring is invaluable. I learn much from UoG and hope you will keep growing this library!! Bravo!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thank YOU Jack! Beekeepers are great at sharing information. We are attempting to do our part to keep that tradition going.

[@beekeepinggarden165]

Great 👌 video about clipping queen's 🐝🐝🐝

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thanks!

[@albertalbert4817]

How many years can a queen survive after cutting off her wings?

[@weirjwerijrweurhuewhr588]

Typically a queen lives between 2-5 years, I'd say 3 years is a fairly common. Some have reported queens that live 7 years but that's very rare. clipping doesn't really affect lifespan. You're not cutting of her wings, just the tip of one of her wings.

[@observationbeehives9111]

I for one favor allowing beekept bees to mate with wild (forest) bees as much as possible, since wild bees are healthier.

[@FunnyBugBeesandWoodWorks]

Do you clip just the fore wing just behind the acute angle, or do you clip the fore and hind wing?

[@incubatork]

What happens if the queen is not fully mated and needs a topup?, i have heard of queens doing multiple mating flights, clipping would make this imposible.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Once queens start laying eggs they don't fly to mate again. We only clip after the queens are laying.

[@decaturridgebees8761]

How long do you keep queens around for in your operation there?

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi DCB We generally replace queens in their third year, - sooner if they aren't doing well or we see any problems. We requeen aggressive colonies ASAP.

[@juanaperla]

Is he sting resistant?

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

No, just somewhat used to getting stung like many other beekeepers.

[@anthonyfreeman5367]

Clipping queens is stupid and unnecessary. I know several farm owners that raise bees and they have all said the same thing. It does nothing for you or the hive. If the Queen leaves there was something wrong with the hive to begin with.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

You are right, clipping wings isn't mandatory. There are however some advantages in doing this. Especially if you manage your hives intensively and are frequently handling the queens. There are no nerves in the wing so it's like getting your nails trimmed.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

I should provide my reasons for clipping wings. 1. It is a backup to the paint mark. Sometimes the paint fails but I still know it's the same queen if she has a clipped wing. For breeding work and hive management it's important to know what queen is in the hive and how old she is. 2. Sometimes we handle queens when they haven't been laying for awhile. In this case their abdomen is reduced in size and they could fly away if we lose our grip on them. They can't fly far with a clipped wing. 3. Clipping doesn't prevent swarming but it can delay it and give us an opportunity to prevent the swarm from leaving. Bottom line - I don't see a downside. It's quick as the queen is already in my hand when I'm paint marking them. We only clip mated queens - for obvious reasons.

[@mc4ndr3]

Wouldn't it be healthier for bees to not clip? This allows both commercial and wild colonies to propagate better.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Naj We only clip a queens wing after she is mated. It's true that once this is done she won't leave the hive in a swarm but we prefer to propagate bees by dividing colonies and keeping the bees in our hives.

[@johaunrivera3994]

Paul Kelly I love all your videos if you ever come to Florida let me know I will love to work side-by-side with you one day you're one of the best beekeeper I've ever seen I learned how to take care of bees because of you ty

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

That's a very kind comments Johaun. Thanks!

[@frogenjoyer3278]

I feel bad for the queen :(

[@jacobuslodewikusjoubert4467]

Goodday sir, I hope you are well. I want to rear queens for my own use. As we know bees produce queens when necessary. In other words the circumstances in the hive should be positive to queen rearing. If I create this enviroment in a nucleus,the bees will be prone to rear a new queen(s) Therefore they will modify a few cells into queen cells and feed them royal jellie. I will monitor the progress through the glass walls and when they are sealed I will have the queens I can use. How and when further on, I still have to figure out. Am I more or less correct in my way of thinking. I would think queen rearing on a commercial scale is a different kettle of fish. Therefore I will stick to queen rearing for my own use. Stay safe and Godspeed. Cobus🐳

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Jacobus Good conditions for raising quality queens also include a very populous hive and an abundance of nectar, pollen and young nurse bees. You don't have these in a nuc. Yes a queenless nuc can raise a queen but they won't be a well developed queen and therefore won't last long or be very productive. You could see our video 'why buy queens' for a more thorough answer. We also have a few videos about raising queen cells that explain the process we use. Cheers and be well!

[@jacobuslodewikusjoubert4467]

@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre Thanks for the insight. I will keep you posted. Have a safe day,Cobus🐳

[@AlexandrusMegus]

Horrible.

[@moochannel523]

@@gilhernandez7610 " We need bees or pollinators more than you think." - That's not a counter argument. That's just pure egoism.

[@danielgosden7207]

Lol. Suppose honey is horrible also

[@wilfredkube8570]

Perhaps we may think it horrible when one virgin queen attacks another virgin queen which has not emerged. Perhaps we may think it horrible when bees from a stronger hive attack and rob all the honey from a weaker hive, and cause the weaker hive to die. There are times when we have to be realistic if we want to be successful in our pursuit of beekeeping. Losing half of a bee colony because it has swarmed represents a loss to the beekeeper. But it may also represent a danger to the swarm itself, which has no guarantee that it will find a new home in which it may thrive successfully. Even if it does thrive successfully, it may be that the new home which they establish is inside the wall of your house (or someone else's home). Surely that would be more horrible than the beekeeper using a painless method of keeping his queen and her colony. Clipping a queen bee's wing is no more painful than cutting your hair or your fingernails.

[@redpanther1027]

Yeah why not just stop eating honey and leave the sweet vomit for the bees to use as insulation and food. We don’t have to eat it and even if we stop it won’t change anything in the wild cause these ain’t no wild bees you see pollinating the plants in ya garden. What a horrid practice Indeed.

[@Nataruma]

@@redpanther1027 It's not just about the honey. Do you like apples? How about blueberries and cherries? These are among the few fruits pollinated in great part by various bee species. Honey isn't why bees are needed most, they are more essential for a large portion of the agriculture industry, unless you're fine with cutting out a lot of common fruits and vegetables from your diet along with the suggested honey embargo.

[@michaeljoncour4903]

forgot to mention i use 8 frame hives and simply divide it, no baby 4 framers, neucs are nice and strong from get go, and a whole lot less mucking around

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Nice to hear you know what works for you.

[@aljjeeran]

I will repeat this video in future to know how catch Queen, and mark it ,clipping her wings.✅✅✅✅✅✅👁️👁️👁️👁️🐝🐝🐝🐝👂👂👂👂👂🎉🎉🎉🎉🇰🇼❤❤❤❤😎