Introducing a new queen

[Dange]

I have Italian bees right now.  I want a new queen because the current one isn't laying well.  My question is could I introduce a new breed once I get my current queen out of the hive?

[yockey5]

Yes you can.
I have done it many times, just make sure the colony is queenless a minimum of 12 hours before you try to put the new queen in. I always rub the old queen out on top of the brood frames and leave her there.
This way they know she has expired straight away.

[Dange]

I'm thinking of sunkist cordovan from russel apiaries

[yockey5]

I have heard good reports on the sunkist queens, but I have yet to try them.