when you catch the queen???

[joker1656]

I usually end up accidently sweeping up the poor queen.  When I catch her, how long do I leave her in the catcher, or do I? Is it a good idea to leave her in overnight to get the workers oriented before they, including her, abscond? 

[JP]

If she is a known mated queen you could keep her caged for several days but the problem is the bees will attach comb to the cage or catcher. Let her out three days max and all should be good.

Virgins need to be let out within two days so they can mate. You don't want to wind up with a drone layer.

I often leave queens caged a few days.


...JP

[Michael Bush]

I leave her in the hair clip catcher (or if you don't have one, then cage her) for a few days until they get settled in.

[annette]

I guess I have been lucky that the 2 swarms I hived this week did not abscond.  I didn't know you would all keep the queen caged.

[joker1656]

That really helps.  Thanks to both of you for the input.  Annette, I was not sure either.  My swarms have not absconded, but a cutout or two has.  Sometimes I am unlucky....