Original Nicot Queen Introducing Cage - Isolation Cage

Original Nicot Plastic Introduction Cage

This cage can be used in two ways; either as an isolation cage to keep her safe on the comb or the most popular use for this cage is as an introduction cage. 

It is one the most successful ways to introduce a queen.

How to use:

• Fill the exit tunnel with fondant and push the cage into a comb.  
• The comb should be in the centre of the brood nest with empty cells and brood about to emerge and no bees at all. Use the 4 plastic nails which are sitting on the side of the cage. On every corner of the cage you have a hole where you have to put the nails in so that you are able to attach it to the wax. You could use elastic bands too if you wish. Release the queen and attendant workers into this cage.
• As the queen begins to lay eggs, she will give off queen pheromone which will increase acceptance.  
• Putting the cage over soon-to- emerge brood ensures nurse bees to care for the new queen.  

The bees will release her or you can release her yourself once she starts laying.  You may need to remove a frame from the hive to give more space for the bees to crawl on the cage.

We’ve started using this style of introduction cages in our own operation this year as I hated the rate of nonacceptance I was experiencing. If you’ve had a high failure rate in the past, highly recommend you give these a try.

Measurements: 14.50 x 12.50 cm