Properly priming a new paint pen is the single most important step to prevent accidental harm to the queen during marking. To begin, shake the pen vigorously until you hear the internal mixing balls rattling, which ensures the pigment and solvent are thoroughly combined. Next, repeatedly press the nib down onto a piece of paper or cardboard to retract the tip and draw the paint down from the barrel until the nib is fully saturated.
The goal of priming is to establish a consistent, controlled flow of paint on a disposable surface, never on the bee itself. A properly primed pen delivers a distinct mark without dripping, ensuring the safety of the queen and her subsequent acceptance by the colony.
The Step-by-Step Priming Process
Agitating the Mixture
Before removing the cap, shake the pen aggressively. You must listen for the sound of the mixing balls striking the inside of the casing. This ensures the paint has a uniform consistency and opacity before it enters the nib.
Activating the Mechanism
Place the tip of the pen against a disposable, hard surface like cardboard or the edge of a wooden box. Press the nib down repeatedly. This pumping action retracts the nib into the body, opening the internal valve to release paint.
Saturating the Nib
Continue the pumping motion until you see the color bleed down into the tip. The nib should transition from dry to fully saturated with color. Stop pumping immediately once the tip is wet to avoid flooding the surface.
Verifying the Flow
Draw a few lines on your test surface. You are looking for a smooth, consistent flow that is visible but not runny. If the line is faint, the nib is under-primed; if it creates puddles, it is over-primed.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The Danger of "Hot" Pens
A freshly primed pen can sometimes be "hot," meaning it releases a large droplet of paint upon the first touch. Never touch a newly primed pen directly to the queen. Always dab it on a leaf or your hive tool immediately before marking the bee to remove excess liquid.
Inconsistent Pigment
If you skip the shaking step, the marking fluid may come out clear or watery. This results in a mark that fades quickly or is invisible within the hive. The mixing balls must be audible before you attempt to prime the nib.
Wet Paint Rejection
If the pen is over-primed and deposits a thick blob, it will take too long to dry. Releasing a wet queen can lead to attendant bees cleaning the mark off or, worse, balling (attacking) the queen because of the foreign scent.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
- If your primary focus is Queen Safety: Always test the marker on a drone or a hard surface first to ensure the paint volume is manageable and will not run into the queen's spiracles or eyes.
- If your primary focus is Longevity: Ensure the mark is opaque and allow it to dry completely (30 to 60 seconds) before returning the queen to the frame to prevent the workers from polishing it off.
Mastering the flow of your marking tool is the difference between a successfully managed colony and a lost queen.
Summary Table:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Agitation | Shake vigorously | Mixes pigment and solvent for uniform color. |
| 2. Activation | Pump nib on hard surface | Opens the internal valve to release paint. |
| 3. Saturation | Observe color bleed | Ensures the nib is fully loaded and ready for use. |
| 4. Verification | Test on disposable surface | Checks for consistency and prevents "hot" pen drips. |
| 5. Final Dab | Touch hive tool or leaf | Removes excess paint immediately before marking. |
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