Author Topic: swarm cell transport  (Read 4019 times)

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Offline rober

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swarm cell transport
« on: April 29, 2020, 03:02:27 pm »
this time of year I always carry frames of comb or foundation to trade for frames with swarms cells. when transporting them in jester nuc boxes the cells would often be damaged from touching the bottom of the box so I added a piece of 3/4" lumber to the frame rest. so far that has solved the problem.



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Offline LazyBkpr

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Re: swarm cell transport
« Reply #1 on: April 29, 2020, 10:29:27 pm »
great idea!!   I use a deep box to transport my frames. Since they are mediums it gives them a whole lot of clearance!  :yes:  ;D
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Offline neillsayers

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Re: swarm cell transport
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2020, 12:26:05 am »
good idea rober, thanks.
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Offline Zweefer

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Re: swarm cell transport
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2020, 08:20:08 am »
Great idea, thanks for sharing!
LazyBkpr, do you use just a deep box, or is it a set with bottom and lid?
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Offline tecumseh

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Re: swarm cell transport
« Reply #4 on: May 26, 2020, 07:43:00 am »
moving or transporting swarm cells or queen cells is a bit tricky.  prior to about 9 days post graft (12 day old pupae) the content of the cell if very very fragile.  all it takes is a jar or bump prior to this time to damage the content.  the real problem with swarm cells vs grafted cells is you really have no idea of the age of the cell and consequently how fragile it could be.

Offline Zweefer

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Re: swarm cell transport
« Reply #5 on: May 26, 2020, 08:49:03 am »
So is there something you do to help mitigate the potential damage?
Keeping of bees is like the direction of sunbeams.
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Offline Bakersdozen

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Re: swarm cell transport
« Reply #6 on: May 27, 2020, 04:55:53 pm »
This is kind of related: I recently heard Dr. Judy Wu-Smart say to be cautious when handling frames with a capped queen cell.  Don't flip the frame upside down.  That would flip the queen cell upside down and could result in the royal jelly separating from the larvae.  I am guilty.

Offline Zweefer

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Re: swarm cell transport
« Reply #7 on: May 27, 2020, 08:12:53 pm »
me too.  thanks for the reminder.
Keeping of bees is like the direction of sunbeams.
Henry David Thoreau