Queen breeding

This guide provides an overview of best practices for queen rearing, from preparing brood colonies to harvesting laying queens.

You will learn more about:

• The biology of the bee;
• Factors that influence queen quality;
• The main parasites and diseases that can affect queens;
• Good bee handling practices;
• Breeding conditions specific to queens.

In beekeeping, the breeding of quality queens, from selected lines well adapted to the climatic context of Quebec, is of capital importance for the health and productivity of the hives.

This guide is therefore an essential tool for beekeepers who want to develop this specialization for their own breeding or make it a commercial aspect. It will also allow beekeepers, whether novice or experienced, to expand their knowledge on topics related to health, queen production, and the care to be provided to them.