Marking a queen bee using a handheld queen marking cage is a precise process designed to safely immobilize her for identification without causing harm. The procedure involves gently capturing the queen, securing her in the cage, and applying a small dot of paint to her thorax. This method ensures visibility for beekeepers while minimizing stress to the queen and her colony.
Key Points Explained:
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Preparation and Handling
- Locate the queen on the frame, ideally under good lighting. Rotate the frame gently to improve visibility.
- Pick her up by her wings or body (avoiding excessive pressure) to transfer her to the marking cage.
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Structure of the Queen Marking Cage
- The cage consists of a cylinder with a mesh or barred end and a foam-topped plunger. The mesh/bars allow ventilation while preventing escape.
- Alternative designs include press-in cages with spikes to secure the queen directly on the comb.
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Immobilization
- Drop the queen into the cylinder, then insert the plunger to hold her gently against the mesh/bars. The foam padding prevents injury.
- For press-in cages, position the ring over the queen on the frame and press down to immobilize her without piercing her or nearby bees.
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Marking the Queen
- Apply a small dot of non-toxic paint (color-coded by year) to the top center of her thorax using a fine brush or applicator.
- Avoid paint contact with her wings, antennae, eyes, or abdomen to ensure her mobility and sensory functions remain unaffected.
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Release and Monitoring
- After marking, retract the plunger or lift the press-in cage to release the queen back onto the frame.
- Observe her briefly to confirm normal behavior and acceptance by the colony.
This method balances efficiency with care, ensuring the queen’s longevity and the colony’s stability—a testament to the delicate tools and techniques that support sustainable beekeeping.
Summary Table:
| Step | Description | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Locate the queen under good lighting and handle her gently. | Avoid excessive pressure to prevent injury. |
| Cage Structure | Use a cylinder with mesh/bars and a foam-topped plunger. | Ensures ventilation and safe immobilization. |
| Immobilization | Insert the queen and gently press the plunger to secure her. | Foam padding prevents harm. |
| Marking | Apply non-toxic paint to the thorax with a fine brush. | Avoid wings, antennae, and abdomen. |
| Release | Retract the plunger and observe the queen’s behavior. | Ensure colony acceptance post-marking. |
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