The process of installing a queen cage involves verifying the queen's condition, exposing the slow-release candy plug, and securely fastening the cage to the center of a frame with the candy end oriented upward. This ensures the colony can gradually release and accept her without the risk of the cage falling or the queen being injured.
Core Takeaway Proper orientation is the single most critical factor in this installation. You must ensure the candy plug faces upward to prevent melting sugar from falling onto and injuring the queen, while securely fastening the cage prevents it from dropping to the hive floor where the queen could perish.
Preparing the Queen Cage
Verify the Queen's Status
Before doing anything else, inspect the cage visually. You must confirm that the queen inside is alive and active.
Identify the Release Mechanism
Locate the opening on the cage that is plugged with white sugar candy. This is the mechanism the bees will eat through to release her over time.
Remove the Correct Barrier
Remove the cork or plastic cap that covers only the candy opening. Do not remove the candy itself, and leave any plugs on other openings completely intact.
Securing the Cage to the Frame
Choose the Optimal Position
Select a position in the middle of the frame. This central location ensures the queen stays warm and is easily accessible to the nurse bees who will care for her.
Orientation is Critical
Position the cage so that the candy side faces upward. This is a vital safety measure; if the candy melts or softens, gravity will pull it away from the queen rather than onto her.
Mechanical Attachment Methods
Secure the cage to the frame using a large rubber band wrapped around the entire frame, or use a thumbtack to pin the cage's tab into the wooden part of the frame.
Finalizing the Installation
Reinserting the Frame
Gently place the frame containing the attached cage back into the hive. Move slowly to avoid jarring the cage loose.
Adjusting the Hive
Push the surrounding frames back into place. Ensure there is enough space so the cage is not crushed against the adjacent comb, but close enough that bees can access the screen to feed the queen.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The Risk of "Wedging"
Some beekeepers attempt to simply wedge the cage between two frames without fasteners. Avoid this method if possible.
While faster, wedging creates a high risk of the cage slipping and falling to the bottom board. If the cage falls, the queen is likely to die from exposure or neglect.
Improper Cap Removal
A frequent error is removing the wrong plug or removing the candy itself. If the candy is removed, the queen will be released immediately before the colony has accepted her, which usually results in the bees killing her.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
If your primary focus is Maximum Security: Use a large rubber band or thumbtack to mechanically fasten the cage, ensuring it cannot be dislodged during hive manipulation.
If your primary focus is Queen Safety: Double-check that the candy plug is facing upward, preventing any potential debris or melting sugar from harming the queen inside the cage.
Take the time to secure the cage properly now, as a fallen cage often results in a lost queen.
Summary Table:
| Installation Step | Key Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Verification | Inspect queen activity | Confirms you are introducing a healthy queen |
| Preparation | Remove cap over candy plug | Enables the slow-release mechanism for acceptance |
| Orientation | Position candy side UP | Prevents melting candy from trapping/killing the queen |
| Attachment | Use rubber band or thumbtack | Prevents cage from falling to the hive floor |
| Placement | Center of the frame | Ensures nurse bees can access and feed the queen |
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