{"product_id":"wooden-queen-bee-introduction-cage","title":"Wooden Queen Cages | Traditional Bee Favourite","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Wood, Wire Mesh, Proven for Generations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLong before plastic existed, beekeepers introduced new queens using simple wooden cages with wire mesh covers. Over a century of experience has shown bees genuinely respond well to natural materials, the warmth of timber and a design refined since the 1800s work in harmony with how bees behave inside a hive. Our \u003cstrong\u003eWooden Queen Cages\u003c\/strong\u003e carry on that tradition with modern manufacturing precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrafted from durable natural wood with a fine wire mesh cover, each cage holds your queen safely while the colony learns to accept her through the mesh. It wedges securely between brood frames and sits in the hive for the typical \u003cstrong\u003e3 to 7 day\u003c\/strong\u003e introduction period. Available in 1-pack (2 cages) or 5-pack (10 cages).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Do Beekeepers Still Choose Wood?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBees prefer natural materials\u003c\/strong\u003e, treating wooden cages as part of the comb and accepting them faster\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBetter candy plug retention\u003c\/strong\u003e, the porous surface holds the plug securely, unlike smooth plastic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasier to wedge\u003c\/strong\u003e, wood grips the comb better and stays in place during inspections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTraditional appearance\u003c\/strong\u003e, preferred by teaching apiaries and workshops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow Do Queen Cages Save Your Queen?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroducing a queen directly is dangerous, workers can detect she's a stranger and may ball, sting, or kill her within minutes. The cage protects her physically while pheromones pass through the mesh, letting workers learn her scent. Attendant bees feed her, and the candy plug releases her exactly when the colony is ready, giving \u003cstrong\u003e90%+ acceptance rates\u003c\/strong\u003e versus under 50% for direct release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen Do I Need These Cages?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon uses include \u003cstrong\u003ebuying and introducing new queens\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ere-queening\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003esplits\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003equeen banking\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebrood breaks for IPM\u003c\/strong\u003e (around 21 days for varroa treatment), and safe confinement during hive inspections or emergencies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWooden vs Plastic: Which Should I Choose?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose \u003cstrong\u003ewooden\u003c\/strong\u003e if you prefer natural materials, teach workshops, want the traditional look, or do candy-plug releases (wood holds candy better) at the lowest cost. Choose \u003cstrong\u003eplastic\u003c\/strong\u003e for easier cleaning between colonies, bright visibility, and fully hygienic reuse. Many beekeepers stock both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Use a Wooden Queen Cage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnsure the colony is queenless for at least 24 hours. Place the queen with 2 to 3 attendants and a candy plug in the cage, wedge it between two brood frames with mesh facing outward, then leave the hive undisturbed for at least 3 days. Workers eat through the candy over \u003cstrong\u003e3 to 7 days\u003c\/strong\u003e, releasing her naturally. Inspect 7 to 10 days later to confirm laying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow Do Candy Plugs Work?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe candy plug is a soft sugar paste workers recognise as food. As they slowly chew through it, they accept her scent at their own pace, self-timing the release for optimal acceptance, far more reliable than manual release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I Reuse a Wooden Queen Cage?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Scrape off wax and propolis, brush away debris, and air dry completely. \u003cstrong\u003eNever submerge in water\u003c\/strong\u003e, as wood can swell and warp. With care, a cage typically lasts \u003cstrong\u003e3 to 5 introductions\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wooden queen introduction and transport cage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural wood with wire mesh cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePack sizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 Pack (2 cages) or 5 Pack (10 cages)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReusable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Typically 3 to 5 introductions per cage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCleaning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry scraping and brushing only, no water submersion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Beekeeping Gear","offers":[{"title":"1 Pack (2 pcs)","offer_id":41849832472661,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 Pack (10 pcs)","offer_id":41849832505429,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0062\/5029\/9477\/files\/2-x-queen-cages-wooden-3.webp?v=1779462979","url":"https:\/\/www.beekeepinggear.com.au\/en-nz\/products\/wooden-queen-bee-introduction-cage","provider":"Beekeeping Gear","version":"1.0","type":"link"}