Cap for queen rearing

The product in question, a cap for queen rearing, is designed for the rearing, isolation, and management of queen bees in beekeeping operations. Made from flexible plastic, it ensures durability and a long lifespan.

Uses for these queen rearing products include:

• Rearing new queen bees to replace old or failing queens or to increase the number of colonies.
• Isolating queens during colony splitting or when introducing a new queen to a hive.
• Protecting queen bees during transport or when they are being introduced to a new colony.

This product, also known as a push cage, is a practical tool for introducing a new queen into a hive and increasing acceptance rates.​

How to Use the Cap for Queen Rearing (Push Cage)

• Identify a section on a brood frame containing a mix of empty cells, capped brood (with emerging bees), and honey cells.​

• Gently shake or brush all adult bees off the selected frame to prevent any workers from being trapped inside the cage.​

• Place the push cage over your chosen area with empty, capped, and honey cells, and press it firmly into the comb so the queen cannot escape and other bees cannot get under the edge.​

• Remove the round plug and introduce the queen through the large opening.​

• The queen will be isolated among emerging brood; as the young bees hatch, they will immediately begin to tend to her as nurse bees and spread her pheromones to the colony.​​

• Leave the queen under the push cage for 3–5 days, which allows the queen to begin laying eggs while worker bees become accustomed to her scent.​

• After 3–5 days, carefully remove the cage to release the queen into the colony. This gradual introduction greatly increases the likelihood of queen acceptance.​

For best results, ensure no adult bees are caged with the queen, and position the cage securely for the isolation period.