To properly prime a queen bee marking pen, you must first shake the unit vigorously to mix the contents. Once mixed, press the tip firmly against a hard surface—such as the edge of a box or a piece of cardboard—and hold or pump it until the ink flows into the nib.
The objective of priming is balance: you need the tip sufficiently saturated to leave a mark with a light touch, but not so overloaded that it drips excess ink onto the queen.
The Mechanics of Priming
Agitate the Mixture
Before uncapping the pen, shake it thoroughly. Many marking pens contain mixing balls inside; shake until you can clearly hear them rattling. This ensures the pigment and solvent are evenly distributed for a consistent mark.
Activate the Valve
Uncap the pen and press the nib down onto a hard test surface. The primary reference suggests using the edge of a box, while others recommend paper or wood. This pressure retracts the nib into the body of the pen, opening the internal valve to release paint.
Saturate the Tip
Maintain pressure or pump the tip repeatedly until you see the color bleed into the nib. Continue this process until the nib is fully colored. Do not attempt to mark the queen until the white (or dry) tip has completely absorbed the paint.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The Risk of Over-Saturation
The most dangerous error is a dripping pen. If the tip is too wet, a large drop of paint can run off the thorax and clog the queen's spiracles (breathing holes) or stiffen her joints. Always blot the tip on your test surface to remove excess liquid before touching the queen.
The Risk of Under-Priming
A dry or streaky pen requires the beekeeper to apply too much pressure to make the mark visible. Excessive pressure can harm the queen's delicate thorax. Ensure the ink flows smoothly on your test material so that only a gentle "daub" is required.
Ensuring a Safe and Distinct Mark
If your primary focus is Safety:
- Test the flow on a drone bee or a piece of grass before approaching the queen to ensure the volume of paint is controlled.
If your primary focus is Longevity:
- Cap the pen immediately after use and store it horizontally to prevent the nib from drying out or the pigment from settling incorrectly.
If your primary focus is Precision:
- Practice making dots the size of a sesame seed on a hard surface to master the pressure required for a clean, round mark.
A properly primed pen allows for a quick, stress-free mark that dries rapidly and keeps the queen safe.
Summary Table:
| Step | Action | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Agitate | Shake vigorously with mixing balls rattling | Ensure even pigment and solvent distribution |
| 2. Activate | Press nib firmly against a hard test surface | Open the internal valve to release the paint |
| 3. Saturate | Pump or hold until the nib is fully colored | Achieve a wet tip that marks with zero pressure |
| 4. Blot | Dab on cardboard to remove excess liquid | Prevent drips that could clog queen spiracles |
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