The breeding of bees is a procedure that requires a lot of knowledge in this sector and is usually an activity that requires time and experience to fully understand all the biological mechanisms of behavior and growth of these animals.

Bees are regarded as one of the most hardworking and organized races in the animal kingdom. Each bee plays a well-defined role within its own swarm and undoubtedly the most impressive role both at a functional and hierarchical level is played precisely by the queen bee .

When we talk about hierarchy, however, it is important to emphasize that the queen does not impose orders on her workers, but still plays a fundamental role because without the presence of a queen bee, the entire swarm could not survive and would go against death .

The queen bees are treated and fed differently from other bees from the first moments of life. They are already chosen when they are in the larval state. Unlike the other larvae, the chosen ones destined to become Queens, are placed in larger cells that will allow them to have the necessary space for growth greater than that of worker bees.

The appearance of the queen bees is in fact distinguishable from the other bees as you can see a larger and more elongated body.

A queen is constantly assisted by a group of worker bees. These workers feed and govern it. They also take away her waste and actually digest her food for her. Without the constant care of her subjects, the queen would have died. He also relies on them to digest his food. Queens don't have the same glands that workers use to digest their food, so her food is predigested and then passed on to her.

The breeding of queen bees therefore requires precautions and well-defined steps that will allow the Queens, not only to grow strong and healthy but also to be correctly inserted and integrated within a swarm.

How queen bees are fed

As already mentioned, queen bees are selected and treated differently from the very first moments of life. The nourishment of the latter is very different from that of the other Bees in that the Queens are fed a more "delicious" food.

More specifically, we can say that: both worker bee larvae and queen bee larvae are fed royal jelly for the first few days. From the fourth day, however, the worker larvae are directed to a diet based on honey and pollen, while the larvae of the queen bees continue to be fed royal jelly throughout its development.

The nutrients contained in Royal Jelly will allow queen bees to grow larger and stronger.

How to insert a queen bee inside a swarm

As we have well understood, therefore, within a swarm there is a continuous correlation between Queen Bee and worker Bees. This constant interaction and mutual collaboration allows the bees to carry out a very efficient natural functioning.

Replacing these biological mechanisms is not easy and raising Queen Bees

requires experience and dedication.

Let's start from the beginning:

The choice of the Larvae

Within 10 h without exceeding 36 h total from birth, the larvae are collected. This is because age is a determining factor for an optimal result.

When we take a larva it is important to know that the older the larva is, the greater the possibility of not being accepted by the worker bees and, above all, the lower the chance of having a quality queen.

Subsequently, the Queen Bees will be placed in artificial cells called “ wax domes ”.

The diameter of the domes must be 9 mm and 8 mm deep, carefully polished and with a rounded bottom to mimic real natural cells as much as possible.

To introduce a new queen into a family, you need to take precautions.

If we raised the queen alone, we must mark her on the chest with the color of the year, capture her and place her in a cage for queens, while if we buy the queen from a specialized breeder she will already be in the cage.

Once in possession of the queen, we proceed to orphanage the bee family or if she is already an orphan we must remove any royal cells that may be present.

With the orphanage, the bees will feel the need for a queen who will be welcomed in an easier way to meet the needs of the swarm.

Where to buy Api Regine

If you need queen bees for your farm, you will be interested to know that on Apicoltura Laterza you can buy queen bees directly online.

Our bees are rigorously selected and Italian.

You will be able to purchase both Buckfast and Ligustica Virgin and Fecond Queen Bees.

All our bees are in excellent health. Together with your purchase you will always receive a health certification that can guarantee the excellent health of our bees.

Buy Queen Bees Online

Are you interested in purchasing? Go to the section ​​ QUEEN BEES and you can place your order in just a few steps. We ship our bees with professional and safe methods. Our shipments are fast and efficient and our products are sent throughout Italy but also throughout Europe.

Buy now on Apicoltura Laterza!

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