Before inserting raised cells into nuclei, several preparatory steps must be taken to ensure the process is successful and minimizes disruption to the colony. The key actions include destroying any existing cells built by the nuclei to prevent competition or rejection of the new cells. Additionally, ensuring the parent colony has adequate resources like pollen or nectar—or supplementing with sugar-water mixtures and pollen patties if necessary—is crucial for stimulating growth and maintaining colony stability. Addressing these factors helps prevent discontent among adult bees, reducing the likelihood of drifting behavior.
Key Points Explained:
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Destroy Existing Cells in the Nuclei
- Any cells previously built by the nuclei must be removed before introducing raised cells.
- This prevents competition between old and new cells, ensuring the raised cells are accepted.
- Failure to do so may lead to rejection or aggression from the existing colony.
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Ensure Adequate Resources in the Parent Colony
- The parent colony must have sufficient incoming pollen and nectar to support growth.
- If natural resources are scarce, supplemental feeding is necessary:
- A 1:1 sugar-water mixture should be provided when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 60°F.
- Pollen patties can be used as an additional stimulant to encourage brood rearing.
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Prevent Discontent and Drifting Among Adult Bees
- Introducing raised cells without proper preparation may cause stress or dissatisfaction in adult bees.
- Discontent can lead to drifting, where bees abandon their colony and join neighboring hives.
- Proper resource management and cell preparation help maintain colony cohesion.
By following these steps, beekeepers can improve the success rate of introducing raised cells into nuclei while maintaining colony health and stability.
Summary Table:
| Step | Action Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Destroy Existing Cells | Remove any pre-built cells in the nuclei. | Prevents competition and ensures raised cells are accepted. |
| Ensure Adequate Resources | Provide pollen/nectar or supplement with sugar-water (1:1) and pollen patties. | Stimulates brood rearing and maintains colony health. |
| Prevent Bee Discontent | Manage resources and cell preparation carefully. | Reduces stress and drifting behavior among adult bees. |
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