To ensure grafted larvae are well-fed, you must create a condition of resource abundance within the cell-builder colony. If there is no natural nectar flow, this is accomplished by feeding a small amount of thin, 1:1 sugar syrup daily. This stimulates the nurse bees to produce the copious amounts of royal jelly necessary for developing high-quality queens.
The core principle is not simply to provide food, but to simulate a strong nectar flow. This simulation triggers the instinct in nurse bees to generously feed royal jelly to the queen larvae, which is the single most important factor in their development.
The Principle of Abundance: Why Feeding Matters
Successful queen rearing hinges on convincing a colony that it has more than enough resources to invest in raising new queens. Feeding is your primary tool for creating this perception when nature doesn't provide it.
Stimulating Royal Jelly Production
A simulated nectar flow, created by daily feeding, signals to the nurse bees that resources are plentiful. This biological trigger causes their hypopharyngeal glands to ramp up production of royal jelly, the exclusive food of queen larvae.
The Goal: Larger, Healthier Queens
Larvae that are "swimming" in royal jelly from the moment they are grafted are fed more often and with higher quality provisions. This leads directly to their development into larger, healthier, and more fecund queen bees. A lack of feeding during a dearth results in poorly-fed, inferior queens.
The Mechanics of Effective Feeding
The method of feeding is just as important as the decision to feed. The goal is a consistent, internal stimulus that encourages the bees working on the queen cells.
What to Feed: Thin Syrup (1:1)
Use a syrup made of one part sugar to one part water (by weight or volume). This ratio closely mimics the consistency of natural nectar and is easy for the bees to process, providing an immediate stimulus without causing storage issues.
How to Feed: Internal Frame Feeder
Place the syrup in a frame feeder located inside the hive, preferably in the same box as your cell bar frame. This ensures the stimulus is concentrated near the nurse bees attending the queen cells and minimizes the risk of robbing from other colonies.
When to Feed: Daily During a Dearth
If there is no natural nectar flow, provide a small amount of syrup (e.g., a pint or quart) every day. This daily consistency is crucial for maintaining the illusion of a continuous flow. Feeding is not necessary if a strong natural nectar flow is present.
When to Stop: Once Cells are Capped
Continue this daily feeding regimen until the queen cells are sealed, which typically occurs about five days after grafting. Once a cell is capped, the larva is sealed inside with all the royal jelly it needs to complete its development. Further feeding for that batch is unnecessary.
Understanding the Pitfalls
Improper feeding can be counterproductive. Understanding the potential downsides ensures your efforts support, rather than hinder, queen development.
The Risk of Overfeeding
Providing too much syrup at once can lead to problems. The bees may prioritize storing the excess syrup, potentially backfilling the brood nest and even the queen cups themselves, which would result in their rejection.
Misjudging a Natural Nectar Flow
Feeding during a strong natural flow is a waste of time and resources. Learn to identify a flow by observing heavy bee traffic with pollen, or by shaking a frame of fresh comb and seeing nectar rain out. Natural nectar is always superior.
Using the Wrong Feeder
External or entrance feeders are less effective for this purpose. They can be slow for the bees to access and, more critically, can attract bees from other hives, leading to robbing behavior that disrupts the entire colony.
Making the Right Choice for Your Colony
Your feeding strategy must be adapted to real-time environmental conditions.
- If your primary focus is leveraging natural resources: Observe the hive and local forage. If you see signs of a strong nectar flow, do not feed and trust the bees to do their work.
- If your primary focus is ensuring success during a dearth: Feed a small amount of 1:1 syrup daily using an internal frame feeder until the cells are sealed.
- If your primary focus is avoiding common mistakes: Never overfeed, and always use an internal feeder to prevent robbing and keep the stimulus close to the queen cells.
Properly managing the colony's perception of resources is the key to consistently producing exceptional queens.
Summary Table:
| Feeding Aspect | Key Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Syrup Ratio | Use 1:1 sugar to water | Mimics natural nectar, easy for bees to process |
| Feeder Type | Internal frame feeder | Concentrates stimulus, prevents robbing |
| Feeding Schedule | Daily, small amounts | Simulates continuous nectar flow |
| When to Stop | Once queen cells are capped | Larva has all resources needed for development |
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