Preparing bars of cells for grafting is a meticulous process that ensures the successful rearing of queen bees. The key steps involve attaching plastic cell cups to a waxed bottom bar, allowing bees to clean and condition them, and carefully handling larvae during grafting. Proper preparation of the cell bars and maintaining optimal conditions during grafting are critical for the health and viability of the queen larvae. This process also includes selecting strong hives, confining the queen, and ensuring high humidity to protect the delicate larvae.
Key Points Explained:
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Preparing the Cell Bars
- Attach 20 plastic cell cups to a waxed bottom bar of a half-depth frame or a homemade wooden cell bar.
- The waxed surface helps the cups adhere securely and provides a familiar surface for the bees.
- Place the prepared bar in a hive at least 24 hours before grafting to allow worker bees to clean and condition the cell cups. This step ensures the cups are free of debris and coated with a thin layer of wax, making them more attractive for larval transfer.
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Shaving Cells for Optimal Depth
- For natural cells, shave them down to about half their original depth using a safety razor (with the rake removed).
- Dipping the razor in hot water before use helps slice the cell tops cleanly and quickly, minimizing damage to the larvae.
- This step ensures the larvae are easily accessible for grafting and reduces the risk of injuring them during transfer.
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Maintaining Proper Conditions During Grafting
- Gently brush nurse bees off the selected frame to avoid damaging the larvae.
- Drape a damp towel over the frame to maintain high humidity, which is crucial for larval survival.
- High humidity prevents the larvae from drying out and ensures they remain viable during the grafting process.
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The Grafting Process
- Identify larvae floating on royal jelly, as these are the healthiest and most suitable for queen rearing.
- Use a grafting tool in a vertical position, sliding it close to the worker cell wall to lift the larva without damaging it.
- Carefully place the larva into the queen cell by drawing the tool across the cell base, ensuring the larva remains submerged in royal jelly.
- Complete the grafting process by transferring all selected larvae efficiently to minimize exposure to external conditions.
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Hive Preparation and Timing
- Select a strong, healthy hive with ample nurse bees to care for the grafted larvae.
- Confine the queen to prevent her from laying eggs in the prepared cell bars, ensuring the focus remains on queen rearing.
- Timing is critical; grafting should be done when larvae are young (ideally 12–24 hours old) to maximize their potential for queen development.
By following these steps meticulously, beekeepers can increase the success rate of queen rearing and ensure the production of high-quality queens. Have you considered how small adjustments in humidity or timing might further improve your grafting outcomes? These seemingly minor details often make the difference between success and failure in queen rearing.
Summary Table:
| Step | Key Actions | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing the Cell Bars | Attach plastic cell cups to a waxed bottom bar; let bees clean them for 24 hrs. | Ensures cups are debris-free and wax-coated for better larval acceptance. |
| Shaving Cells | Use a hot razor to shave natural cells to half-depth. | Makes larvae accessible and reduces grafting damage. |
| Grafting Conditions | Maintain high humidity with a damp towel; brush nurse bees off gently. | Prevents larval drying and ensures viability. |
| Grafting Process | Lift larvae with a grafting tool; place into queen cells submerged in royal jelly. | Ensures larvae survive and develop into healthy queens. |
| Hive Preparation | Use strong hives with confined queens; graft young larvae (12–24 hrs old). | Maximizes queen-rearing success and colony strength. |
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