To ensure the queen lays in artificial cups, you must create a natural beeswax floor. You prepare the hollow cell plugs by twisting and pushing them down into a sheet of foundation wax. This action cuts and embeds a small disc of wax into the hole at the tip of the plug, providing a familiar surface for the egg. Once prepared, 90 of these wax-tipped plugs are inserted into the back of the cell box, and the rear cover plate is secured.
The success of this method relies on mimicking natural comb; by manually embedding foundation wax into the hollow plug, you transform a plastic receptacle into a biological surface the queen will accept for egg-laying.
Creating the Artificial Cell Base
Embedding the Wax Foundation
The core of this preparation is the physical interaction between the plastic plug and the foundation wax. By twisting the plug while pushing it into the wax, you effectively "core" a piece of the foundation.
Establishing the Egg Landing Zone
This process leaves a beeswax base inside the hollow tip of the plug. This is critical because the queen requires a natural substrate to attach her egg properly; she is unlikely to lay directly on bare plastic.
Assembling the Grid
After prepping the individual plugs, you must load the cell box. Insert 90 prepared plugs into the designated holes at the back of the box. Once fully loaded, replace the rear cover plate to secure them in place.
Integrating the System into the Hive
Timing the Introduction
Preparation extends beyond just the plugs; the equipment must be acclimated. The frame and comb box should be placed in the breeder colony five days before you plan to transfer larvae.
Managing the Queen
To force the queen to lay in these specific plugs, she must be confined to the box. Remove the central plug from the front plastic excluder, introduce the queen through this hole, and immediately replace the plug to keep her contained.
Critical Success Factors and Pitfalls
Preventing Egg Removal
A common failure point in this process is the workers removing the newly laid eggs. To prevent this, you must place standard frames of eggs on both sides of the comb box frame.
Encouraging Nurse Bee Attention
The presence of adjacent eggs stimulates the nurse bees to remain in that area. If the comb box is isolated from other brood, the bees may view the new eggs as foreign or unnecessary and "clean" them out.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To maximize your success rate with this rearing method, consider these specific focus areas:
- If your primary focus is high acceptance rates: Ensure the foundation wax is fresh and the plugs are twisted firmly to create a substantial wax base for the queen.
- If your primary focus is process reliability: Strictly adhere to the five-day pre-placement schedule and ensure the comb box is flanked by existing egg frames to prevent rejection.
By combining mechanical preparation with biological cues, you create an environment where the queen can instinctively perform her role within an artificial system.
Summary Table:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Waxing | Twist & push plug into foundation | Creates a natural beeswax floor for the egg |
| Loading | Insert 90 plugs into cell box | Prepares the grid for high-capacity rearing |
| Acclimation | Place in hive 5 days early | Removes human scent and acclimates equipment |
| Isolation | Confine queen with excluder | Forces laying within the prepared plugs |
| Protection | Flank with frames of eggs | Prevents worker bees from removing new eggs |
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