The queen bee’s gone missing. And all the tell-tale signs are there: no brood, a restless wings-spread stance, and an anxious hum when you open the colony. I’ve got to give this otherwise strong hive a new brood mare, pronto.
Last night, I scored a virgin queen from Zia Queen Bee Co but night’s no time to install a queen. So Queen Elizabeth and I spent the night together chastely waiting for sunlight and attempting to stay warm.
Keeping the queen warm in my pocket til I can take her home
The queen spent the night in a sock on a shelf 6 inches above my head
This morning before my 9 a.m. meeting, I installed Good Queen Bess in the lonely hive. And now my job is to wait 3-4 weeks for her to:
- Engage in a productive sky orgy
- Return safely and start laying
- Be deemed acceptable by the colony
In the meantime, nature doesn’t need any meddling from me.
Anatomy of a queen cage
The chicken wire keeps our chickens away from the hive
I hope to see something like this: Fresh bee eggs on black foundation with spring pollen nearby
UPDATE 6/14/12: Success! The queen was successfully mated and is laying a monster batch of brood as we speak. View photos if you’re curious.
mistress beek 
Love your musings on beekeeping. Why a virgin queen and not one already mated? Do you worry your workers will start laying in the meantime.
Howdy! Yeah, you’re right, I would have preferred a mated queen but none were easily available and I try to use “survivor bee” stock like that from Zia Queen Bee. So… fingers crossed, our girl gets herself mated ASAP.
Well I sure hope she finds herself a good orgy soon. I will have to check out Zia, survivor stock is always a good thing.
Soo … did she?
One more week until I find out! The queen breeder recommended I wait 3 weeks before digging back into that hive. From the energetic and focused behavior on the landing board, I’m optimistic.
Just found your blog and curious on how she is looking?
UPDATE 6/14/12: Success! The queen was successfully mated and is laying a monster batch of brood as we speak. View photos if you’re curious at: https://mistressbeek.com/2012/06/14/meet-the-new-regent-a-successful-hive-requeening/
If I ever start a band, “Sky Orgy” is on the short list for names.