Double queen keeping of bees: pros and cons and 5 main technologies

The two-womb method of keeping bees is considered the most rational among beekeepers. However, this technology has both advantages and disadvantages. To properly organize such content, you need to figure out how to equip the hive. The success of the enterprise largely depends on this. If the two families remain equal, the beekeeper will be able to get more honey at the time of collection.

Why use two queen bees

Traditional is the placement of one bee family with a queen in each hive. But, since under adverse weather conditions, the productivity of insects is greatly reduced, many beekeepers use a double queen.

This technology is based on the ability of bees to organize life in such a way as to increase productivity, protect the queen and feed offspring. The task of the beekeeper is to combine brood nests with different queens using an extension. As a result, a large bee colony is formed.

The organization will require a capacious hive. Insects should move freely inside, and the queen bees should not come into contact with each other. The most acceptable formation scheme is in dadans. It includes 12 frames, and in the most productive period, you need to add 1-2 extensions. You can effectively separate the queens through the Hahnemat grid.

Pros and cons

The double queen method has a number of advantages over the traditional one:

feed cost reduction;
increase in flying bees;
lighter winter;
increasing oviposition of the uterus.

However, beekeepers consider the increase in productivity by 1.5-2 times as the main advantage of the method.

However, the disadvantages of this technology are also noted. With improper organization, an incorrectly selected hive, the bees quarrel, poor ventilation is observed in the houses, beekeepers cannot view the brood. In addition, beekeepers suffer an increase in financial costs for the purchase of special structures.

Technology for keeping two queens

When keeping bees with two queens, special hives must be used. There are several varieties. The beekeeper must find the optimal design in order to be able to observe the behavior of insects and fully control their vital activity.

An analysis will be required, fixing the result, because this will help to understand whether it makes sense to continue using this method.

Beehive-lounger

The most simple method in beekeeping is the method using a beehive-lounger (Gasanova). In this case, a hive for 16-20 frames is used, as well as a dividing wall. Each bee family has its own branch. The brood with the queen is placed there. The bed hive is especially suitable for wintering and spring development of bees.

Initially, beekeepers populate one full-fledged family in the hive. A queen and half of the worker bees are placed in one compartment. In the other department - the other half. The fetal uterus is planted in a cap, and after getting used to the insects, it is released.

Multiple Hive

The application of this method involves the organization of the life of bees in a multi-hull hive. The house consists of 2-3 sections with a dozen frames and a couple of brood boxes. For effective breeding, honeycomb-free queen packs are required. They are placed in each department, 1 piece at the beginning of spring.

From the middle of the body, the beekeeper removes 3 frames, replacing them with honeycombs with a queen. A week later, the condition of the new family needs to be checked. If there is an excessive accumulation of bees, then resettlement will be required.

In June, the brood compartments are changed in places, a dividing grid is placed and the first extension is fixed. At the same time, you need to add the queen to the brood box.

According to Ozerov

Ozerov's one-entry housing scheme allows you to increase the productivity of insects by 80%. Its essence is in the special design of the hive with 10, 12 or 16 frames. The first tier is divided into two compartments by partitions. Each tier has 6 or 8 frames.

In the second section there are two parts, two notches. The third compartment remains intact, but is filled with notches. The main principles of the Ozerov method are to insulate the hive after the flight, install a common body with 8 frames and timely cover with gratings.

According to Sviridov

Sviridov's method is suitable only for he althy, strong families. The process is prepared according to the type of beehive-lounger. With strict adherence to technology, beekeepers receive 16 frames with brood.

Hive of Dadan-Blatt

This system is universal. The connection must be made in the fall. Families are separated by a diaphragm, thanks to which they become independent. For the method to be successful, the recommended algorithm must be followed.

Before the main bribe, a weak queen and two brood frames are removed. Next, the partition is removed and 3 frames with foundation are added. During the bribe period, you need to put two half-frames. The uterus, previously removed, the brood is transferred to a regular hive. After the honey harvest, strong individuals are collected and planted in a two-queen hive.

Possible problems

The main problem is insect swarming, but beekeepers say this is due to lack of space in the hive. Swarming is also observed with the traditional keeping of bees, but in this case, insects show aggression, do not tolerate weather changes, and in an unfavorable climate in the hive, the queen often dies.

Therefore, beekeepers are advised to carefully consider the possibility of applying the technology and carefully observe the bees in the process of such changes.