 |
| newly mated Queen |
 |
| uncapped Queen cells |
This is one of my Queens that was produced using the Cloake board/ Nicot system. I was very pleased with the ease of this method and the results were some very nice Queens although it is to early to tell what kind of brood pattern or quality she will yield. I first spotted this Queen last week but she had not yet mated, she was only about half the size what she is now. The Cloake board and Nicot system will easily pay for itself. I already have additional Queens and placed them in nucs. This is a very easy way to make increases and the initial investment will quickly be recovered.
If someone is handy a Cloake board would be very easy to make, Michael Bush, a well know beekeeper, instructor and authur, has a very good photo of one on his web site
Bush Bees, which contains a wealth of information.
 |
| strong frame |
I did have one unexpected experience this week. I went out early to check a hive that was very strong and calm. I had thought of doing a split from it, but this time, for some reason, the hive became very aggressive. The bee's were relentless in their attack, and I was stung numerous times. I went back to the hive yesterday to see how the bees would react and had no problem at all. The hive was calm, and I was able to inspect it with no problems or aggression from the bees. I will will not make any splits or Queens from it for now until I can determine if it needs to be re-queened or I just messed something up while working with the hive.
