Technoset Queen Cell Builder Hive
The Technoset Queen Cell Builder Hive is a purpose-designed system for efficiently raising high-quality queen cells. This setup allows you to manage a breeder queen in a controlled space while creating an optimal environment for nurse bees to build strong, well-fed queen cells.
Includes:
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Vented floor for improved airflow
- One reversible entry guard and one Nuc entry guard.
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Full-depth Technoset box (durable plastic construction)
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7-frame top feeder for feeding the queen cell-building colony
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3-frame top feeder for sustaining the breeder queen section
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3-frame queen excluder to confine the breeder queen while maintaining worker access
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Divider board to separate compartments when needed
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Latch kits to keep the hive very secure
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Vented roof for better hive ventilation and colony health
Note: Frames are not included.
How to Use the Technoset Queen Cell Builder Hive
Step 1: Prepare the Hive
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Assemble the hive. Ensure that the small Nuc entry is on the side near the 3-frame portion, and the larger reversible entry is closer to the 7-frame part of the hive.
- Select a strong full-depth single-story beehive with plenty of bees and a quality breeder queen.
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Transfer all the frames of bees into the new Technoset beehive.
- Install the queen excluder to lock the breeder queen into the three-frame compartment.
- Place an empty brood frame in this section for the queen to lay eggs in immediately.
- Place the new Technoset hive in the exact same location as the original hive. Remove the original hive from the Apiary. (It will have a scent that will attract the bees back to it)
Step 2: Start the Queen-Rearing Cycle
- On the morning of Day 4, remove the queen excluder and replace it with the divider board, making the rest of the hive queenless.
- In the afternoon of Day 4, graft larvae (24-48 hours old, preferably closer to 24 hours) from the brood frame into queen cells.
- Place the grafted queen cells in the seven-frame section of the hive with lots of nurse bees.
- Feed with syrup, and if pollen is scarce, add a pollen patty.
Step 3: Encourage Strong Cell Development
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One day later, remove the divider board and refit the queen excluder. This setup optimizes conditions for the colony to draw out large, healthy queen cells. NB. The divider board should be fitted for no more than 48 hours, otherwise the bees on each side will fight when it is removed.
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One week after grafting, inspect the seven-frame section for rogue queen cells that the bees may have produced on other frames—these must be removed to prevent early hatching and damage to the grafted cells.
Step 4: Harvest and Reset
- Remove the queen cells 1 to 2 days before they are due to hatch. See the photo above with the life cycle of the egg/ larvae/ pupae stages.
- To restart the process, transfer two brood frames from the queen’s section to the main hive, replacing them with fresh empty frames. This keeps the queen laying and maintains a strong cycle of young nurse bees to support future queen-rearing.
This reliable and repeatable method ensures strong, well-fed queen cells while maintaining colony balance
