Author Topic: Package Queen - Release by candy or marshmallow?  (Read 10280 times)

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Offline CpnObvious

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Package Queen - Release by candy or marshmallow?
« on: May 19, 2014, 08:50:00 am »
I'll be installing my new packages into hives with all virgin foundation this weekend.  Am I better off removing the cork from the queen candy end (slow release) or from the open end and stuffing a mini marshmallow in it (faster release)?  If you recommend the candy end, should I, carefully, poke a small hole all the way through it?

Thanks, folks!

Offline LazyBkpr

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Re: Package Queen - Release by candy or marshmallow?
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2014, 08:57:35 am »

   With package bees, they have been with the queen for a few days already. I poke a small hole through the candy plug. Watch the vid I just put up about installing packages.

   http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php/topic,1711.msg22991.html#msg22991


    One of the local queen producers uses mini marshmallows, pushing two of them into the plastic tube on the cages he uses.  Marshmallows work, but you already have the cage with the queen candy, so dont complicate it for yourself. When I use the marshmallow release... for three days I am wondering if I made the shmallow too tight, or didnt get it into the cage far enough... etc...
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Offline iddee

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Re: Package Queen - Release by candy or marshmallow?
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2014, 09:00:56 am »
Everybody has their own way. I remove candy end cork,scratch the candy, in case it has a hardened crust, but don't poke a hole. I then install and wait 7 days, not 3. After 7 days, I check for eggs.So far, I have always found them.

I'm sure there are a dozen right ways it can be done.
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Offline riverbee

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Re: Package Queen - Release by candy or marshmallow?
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2014, 11:37:24 am »
i do the same as iddee does, candy end cork, scratch the candy, install, wait 7 days.  what sort of foundation are you using?
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Offline CpnObvious

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Re: Package Queen - Release by candy or marshmallow?
« Reply #4 on: May 19, 2014, 11:44:33 am »
what sort of foundation are you using?

DuraGilt Foundation from Mann Lake: FN-105

Offline LazyBkpr

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Re: Package Queen - Release by candy or marshmallow?
« Reply #5 on: May 19, 2014, 02:16:13 pm »
I have heard some bad stuff about Duragilt...   I have received several frames of it already drawn, and have now installed about six sheets because I got them with other gear purchased...  The thing I have noticed about it, is that the bees will draw it fine...  IF.. for any reason they strip any of the wax away from the plastic sheet between the waxed formed sheets they will not touch or fix that spot. By all means use it, just be prepared to replace it if they start stripping wax...  IE pulling wax from the outer sides to put in the middle etc...  If your on a flow and feeding they will hopefully not do any stripping.
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Offline CpnObvious

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Re: Package Queen - Release by candy or marshmallow?
« Reply #6 on: May 19, 2014, 03:09:36 pm »
Lazy,
Good to know, I'll keep an eye out for that.  IF they do strip it in an area, could I just cut out that spot and they'll fill it in foundationless?  I ordered 40 sheets (four supers worth) to get started.  I only ordered it because mixed in with the stuff I had from 20+ years ago were 5 sheets of it.  So I found what I was looking for by looking at pictures (it's how I read best).  As I move forward and make some new equipment, what would you recommend I use?  Any particular style?  Do the frames need to be any different for whatever you recommend?  If so, what style?

Offline LazyBkpr

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Re: Package Queen - Release by candy or marshmallow?
« Reply #7 on: May 19, 2014, 04:35:22 pm »
In all reality what ever it is you set your mind on. I'll be honest, I had not even considered cutting the thin plastic layer out, and am sort of embarrassed that did not enter my mind..  I will try it and see what happens... Because of the thin plastic membrane between wax sheets it cant be re waxed and re used like rite cell.
   I think the plastic rite cell is about the sturdiest stuff I have. The all plastic frames don't impress me much.. trying to pry them out, or to the side they flex a lot and make the job harder. Wax is a bit of a pain to assemble and wire but the bees really like it...   Of course there is foundation-less, but we will leave that for another day.
   Use the duragilt and then tell us all what you think of it. Just because of the non re useable issues I would go with any of the plastic pre formed/pre waxed stuff. At the very least if it gets boogered up you can scrape it and re wax it for less money lost.   
   To be candid...  I recommend starting with plastic. If your comfortable with the results, keep using it. Pick up some frames and wax foundation to rotate in and see how you like that later on.  Circumstance will eventually have you dropping in a frame with no foundation because its all you have, thats when you can decide if you like foundation-less or not.   But if anyone asks, tell them I said to go foundation-less. Deal?   8)
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Offline riverbee

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Re: Package Queen - Release by candy or marshmallow?
« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2014, 04:38:12 pm »
i think riverrat (?) can give you some of his experience with duragilt....

i like and use peirco waxed foundation, black for the brood boxes, and white for med supers.

as far as when they strip wax, there is no need to cut it out, (though they would most likely fill it in depends on the area?) they will at some point fill it back in.  bees strip wax when the resource is needed elsewhere in the hive, or given too much foundation, etc...
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