Every week there’s some drama at the apiary and this week was no different.
A shortfall of nine QCs to complete our mating nucs meant some drastic action was required: QCs were parachuted in from David’s apiary, colonies were combined with newspaper, a virgin queen was used by introducing her using a cage and fondant and queen cells on brood frames from a donor colony were employed.
We ended with a surplus of QCs, all colonies were inspected, a swarming colony was dealt with and John’ team even found time to mark at least two new queens using Bob’s marking cage.
Thanks to all for your efforts today.