12. How do I properly transfer a new queen into a colony?
We recommend the following procedure:
- Make sure that there is no other queen in the colony.
- Check for the presence of queen cells and remove them if necessary.
- Check that there is little or no open brood.
In summer: After removing the old queen, wait a week, complete the above points, and then place the queen in a cage (e.g. Nicot) under a sugar dough cap. Then wait at least 14 days before going through the colony again.
In autumn: Due to the advanced season, it usually takes a good 2 hours difference between removing the old queen and adding the new queen.