The two-queen 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 arrange a hive. The success of the enterprise largely depends on this. If the two colonies remain equal, the beekeeper will be able to obtain more honey during the harvest.
Why use two queen bees?
It is traditional to place one bee colony with a queen in each hive.But, since the productivity of insects is greatly reduced under unfavorable weather conditions, many beekeepers use two-queen keeping.
This technology is based on the ability of bees to organize their life activities in such a way as to increase productivity, protect the queen and feed the offspring. The beekeeper's task is to combine brood nests with different queens using an extension. As a result, a large bee colony is formed.
To organize, you will need a spacious hive. Insects should move freely inside, and 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. The queens can be effectively separated through the Ganemat grid.
Advantages and disadvantages
The two-uterus method has a number of advantages over the traditional one:
- reduction of feed costs;
- increase in flying bees;
- easier winter period;
- increased egg production of the uterus.
However, there are also disadvantages of this technology. If the hive is not organized correctly, the bees are at odds with each other, there is poor ventilation in the hives, and beekeepers cannot view the brood. In addition, beekeepers suffer an increase in financial costs for the purchase of special structures.
Technology of keeping two queens
When keeping bees with two queens, it is necessary to use special hives. 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 functions.
It will be necessary to carry out an analysis and record the result, because this will help to understand whether it makes sense to continue using this method.
Beehive lounger
The simplest method in beekeeping is considered to be using a hive-lounger (Gasanova). In this case, a hive with 16-20 frames is used, as well as a dividing partition. Each bee colony has its own section. The brood and the queen are placed there. The hive hive is especially suitable for wintering and spring development of bees.
Initially, beekeepers populate the hive with one full-fledged family. The queen and half of the worker bees are placed in one compartment. To another department - the remaining half. The fetal uterus is placed in a cap, and after the insects get used to it, it is released.
Multi-body hive
The use of this method involves organizing the life activity of bees in a multi-hull hive. The house consists of 2-3 sections with a dozen frames and a pair of brood bodies. For effective propagation you will need honeycomb-free queen packs. They are placed in each department, 1 piece, at the beginning of spring.
The beekeeper removes 3 frames from the middle of the body, replacing them with honeycombs with a queen. In a week, the condition of the new family needs to be checked. If there is an excessive concentration of bees, then resettlement will be required.
In June, the compartments with the brood are swapped, a dividing grid is installed and the first extension is secured. At the same time, you need to add the queen to the brood compartment.
According to Ozerov
Ozerov’s single-entry housing scheme allows increasing the productivity of insects by 80%. Its essence lies 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.
The second section has two parts, two entrances.The third compartment remains solid, but is filled with tap holes. The basic principles of the Ozerov method are to insulate the hive after flying, installing a common body with 8 frames and timely covering with bars.
According to Sviridov
Sviridov's method is suitable only for healthy, strong families. The process is prepared according to the type of hive-lounger. If the technology is strictly followed, beekeepers receive 16 frames with brood.
Dadan-Blatt hive
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, the weak queen and two brood frames are removed. Next, remove the partition and add 3 frames with foundation. During the bribe period, you need to put two half-frames. The queen, previously removed, the brood is transferred to a regular hive. After honey collection, strong individuals are collected and placed 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 traditional bee keeping, but in this case the insects show aggression, do not tolerate weather changes well, and if the climate in the hive is unfavorable, the queen often dies.
Therefore, beekeepers are advised to carefully consider the possibility of using technology and carefully monitor the bees in the process of such changes.
