Workers in Queen Cage

[sc-bee]

I ordered a handful of queens.  I received them a couple of days ago. The workers are rapidly dying. I know I can replace the workers and I have always heard nurse bees from brood area. Does it matter, can I grab a few from a honey super and replace them. I prefer not to break down the hive or bank them in a hive.

[joebrown]

How long are you going to keep them caged?

[T Beek]

Without workers to feed and groom your queen she will die (dead workers is not a good sign).  I've kept them up to week in the spring when weather sucked.  How are you keeping them?  Should be cool, dry and dark.  Get them in hives asap.

thomas

[sc-bee]

They are cool and dark. Put four in yesterday(all those had dead workers) was hoping to get other four in today--- but it won't happen. Three of the four look good. One has only one worker left. Hope to get them in the morning. Had them since Thurs-- need to get them in right away!

[T Beek]

Make sure you are giving them some water (often forgotten).  Just dip finger in some water and put on screen.  A couple dabs a day will do ya.

thomas

[kathyp]

why are you doing so much requeening?  do you have bad queens, or are you doing splits?

[sc-bee]

Both, I am bad about letting a queen limp along. I requeened 4 and I am going to split 4.