National queen introduction cage
This wire metal cage fits one National frame (not included) in a cage that no bee can get through.
It is perfect for introducing a new queen from one hive to another.
Please watch Gruff's YouTube video below to see these cages in action.
Excellent queen protection to ensure you can requeen the most stubborn colonies. Only difficulty is they were very tight to install into an Abelo brood box (had to press metal ends in slightly to fit.) better fit into the maisemore nuc box but still tight.
Really good product but had to slightly trim to fit comfortably into poly hive
Queen introduced without escorts along with frame of brood and has not been killed so hope for successful introduction
A detailed video would be superb
Great supplier
As previous reviewer notes, in an Abelo hive it it a tight fit, a little "gentle" persuasion does remedy though. Most importantly it works, and works very well. Great for colonies that have been queen less for an extended time, super safe and (as yet) never had an unsuccessful introduction. I think it's the only method where a banked/ posted queen comes back into lay before release into the wider colony, which I suspect is a massive benefit. It does require you to remove 2 frames for space. Is it more far than the masking tape method, yes, but quality queens are expensive. Only 4 stars as would like it 5mm wider/ 5mm shorter and would be great to have catches to hold the roof on when "dropping" in to the hive.
When checking this cage out using an empty Abelo hive I discovered it was a fraction too long so it didn't fit inside the hive.
The Abelo hive has a ridged hard plastic edging to it so there is no give.
I was able to squeeze it into a poly nucleus, so will keep it as my new Queen is due in two days time.
The cage is quite solid so I don't think I can alter it in anyway.
Hopefully others will have a more positive experience with this.
Join our newsletter
Subscribe to our occassional email newsletter to get exclusive first-access to sales and promotions, the latest new product news, and updates from the hive
