Queen Installation Instructions

We want your beekeeping to be successful! To ensure the successful introduction of your new queen, please follow these steps carefully. Proper installation is essential for the health and productivity of your colony.

A Note on Responsibility

My role is to provide you with healthy, well-mated queens, ready to thrive in your colony. However, once the queen leaves my care, her successful introduction and establishment are entirely your responsibility as the beekeeper.

Because I am not overseeing the introduction process, I cannot be held responsible if the queen is rejected or killed. Following the provided instructions is one part of your responsibility, but it is equally important to fully understand what is happening in your colony prior to introducing any new queen. The success of your new queen depends entirely on your actions, preparation, and attention to detail.

Step 1: Preparing the Colony

1. Remove any old queen: Make sure the hive is queenless before introducing the new queen. This is critical for acceptance. Not finding a queen is not the same as having a queenless colony! You must not have a mated queen or virgin queen or queen cells.

2. Wait 24 hours: Allow the hive to adjust to being queenless before proceeding.

Step 2: Handling the Queen Cage

1. Inspect the queen cage upon arrival: Check that the queen is alive and active. If there are attendants in the cage, ensure they are moving around as well.

2. Do not open the cage: Keep the cage sealed to avoid releasing the queen prematurely.

Step 3: Installing the Queen Cage

1. Locate the candy plug: This is the side with the candy that the bees will eat through to release the queen. Do not take this out!

2. Position the cage correctly: Place the cage between two frames with the candy plug facing up. This prevents dead attendants from blocking the exit.

3. Secure the cage: Make sure it won’t fall or shift as bees move around.

Step 4: Let the bees release the Queen

1. Wait one week: Allow the bees time to get used to the queen’s pheromones and they will release her before you check back.

2. Check the cage: After one week, inspect the cage to ensure the bees have successfully released her.

  3. Manual release (if necessary): If the candy has not been eaten after one week, carefully open the cage and release the queen directly onto a frame.

Step 5: Monitor the Colony

1. Observe behaviour: Watch for calm, productive activity around the hive. Aggressive or disorganised behaviour may indicate the queen was not accepted.

2. Check for eggs: After one week, inspect the hive for new eggs to confirm the queen is laying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Releasing the queen too soon or without waiting 48 hours.

• Going back into the colony before 1 week - this is a common mistake for beginner beekeepers and will make your colony nervous and could potentially kill the queen.

• Placing the cage with the candy plug facing down, which can block the exit.

• Forgetting to remove an old queen or allowing queen cells to remain in the hive, or a virgin queen.

• Assuming the hive is queenless if you can’t locate a queen after a swarm.

• Handling the queen cage roughly or exposing it to extreme temperatures.

If you follow these steps and encounter any issues, please let me know. Remember, the queen’s successful introduction is critical to your colony’s health, so take your time, educate yourself and handle the process carefully.