Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => Raising Queens => Topic started by: Blair Sampson on June 12, 2019, 12:36:22 pm

Title: grafting
Post by: Blair Sampson on June 12, 2019, 12:36:22 pm

Tried grafting for the first time last season. Mildly successful...... 4 of 15 graft produced queens. Last year's process included using a finisher hive. Trying 15 grafts again this year. Is a finisher hive recommended or can cells remain in cell builder until capped? ( read somewhere that a finisher hive is used so the cell builder can accomadate large volume of grafts).

Title: Re: grafting
Post by: iddee on June 12, 2019, 12:58:57 pm

Personal opinion....
I would cage the cells on day nine, or as soon as capped, then leave them in the starter until day 14 or 15.

Title: Re: grafting
Post by: Blair Sampson on June 12, 2019, 07:50:26 pm

why cage the cell... tell me more.

Title: Re: grafting
Post by: iddee on June 12, 2019, 07:58:26 pm

They will draw wild comb between the cells and cover them with wax. You will have to carve the cells out of burr comb between capping and emerging.