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Author Topic: Virgin Queens and Mated Queens and Egg Laying  (Read 5671 times)

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Offline Jen

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Virgin Queens and Mated Queens and Egg Laying
« on: July 08, 2018, 03:25:42 pm »
I have found that some virgin queens along with introduced mated queens, can start laying right away, and some take a few days to 'Get It. I'm very patient with my queens whether they were made by their own bees, or purchased.

How many days gone by with out any eggs laid, is she concidered a failed queen?
 
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Offline apisbees

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Re: Virgin Queens and Mated Queens and Egg Laying
« Reply #1 on: July 08, 2018, 06:54:10 pm »
How when and if a queen starts laying is not necessary a queen issue but is also a hive and environment issue. the bees in the hive controls the laying of the queen.
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Offline Lburou

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Re: Virgin Queens and Mated Queens and Egg Laying
« Reply #2 on: July 08, 2018, 07:02:13 pm »
Two weeks to get mated, three maximum...EDIT:  That is the time to get mated, after mating, I would wait two weeks and then do something else.  Maybe Keith has some more experience based advice.  :)
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Offline Jen

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Re: Virgin Queens and Mated Queens and Egg Laying
« Reply #3 on: July 22, 2018, 06:45:03 pm »
Okay, Apis and Lee, I have a new queen that is two weeks old and not laying. I don't even think she is mated, her abdomen still very small.

The bees in the hive are quite content. There is stored food, pollen, and plenty of laying room, a handful of drones. Because we are in a dearth I have a little bit of pollen patty and syrup on all my hives until the star thistle kicks in.

Presently, I have 2 hives and 3 nucs that are doing great!

Could this be a drone thing? What if I took the hive, 1 med box, to another yard outside of town and see if she would mate there?




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Offline apisbees

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Re: Virgin Queens and Mated Queens and Egg Laying
« Reply #4 on: July 22, 2018, 09:53:38 pm »
Queens mate between day 5 to day 10 after they emerge. If weather is bad they will extend it to day 15 but not to much further.
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Offline Jen

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Re: Virgin Queens and Mated Queens and Egg Laying
« Reply #5 on: July 22, 2018, 10:30:11 pm »
Hmm, she was born on July 9. So her 5th day would be the 14th. Her 10th day would be the 20th.

So, she's right at the edge of not mating at all. Weather is fine, but somewhat smokey, and there is a bit of a dearth. Just for grins I'll give her one more week.

Thanks guys
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