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Thread: To Clip or not to Clip that is the Question.

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  1. #1
    Senior Member Greengage's Avatar
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    Default To Clip or not to Clip that is the Question.

    I have two queens unclipped at the moment (All going well so far) Come spring should I clip or leave unclipped just wondering what any of you would do, Tks.

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    Senior Member Jon's Avatar
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    I clip all of mine, usually in Spring.
    Does them no harm as I have one going into her 5th season minus half a wing and there is a similar one at the association apiary.
    neither has tried to swarm and I would expect them to get superseded at some point this year.

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    Senior Member fatshark's Avatar
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    Clip all mine ... all part of trying to be a 'good neighbour' ...
    I know there's at least one late-season supercedure to be clipped at the first inspection of the year.

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    I dont clip my queens I do try and make sure they dont fly away just the same

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    Senior Member Greengage's Avatar
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    Tks for the info, Last year I had clippped queens and they both swarmed, luckily I was able to retrieve them as I happpened to be on site, Just because they are clipped does not mean they will not swarm, yes the bees will probably return to the hive, but will they swarm with the first newly hatched queen anyway.I have read where workers will see her as damaged also if she is clipped will she not be a little unbalanced when walking arounnd or able to right herself if she fell over.
    Another to add to my list of bee myths "Clipped queens do not swarm"

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    Senior Member prakel's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Greengage View Post
    Another to add to my list of bee myths "Clipped queens do not swarm"
    True, it is a myth in the strict sense. But, I think that being clipped may well discourage (at least some) queens from leaving the hive. Anyway, I've seen clipped queens apparently making no effort to leave hives with sealed cells during particularly nice weather. Nothing wrong with them either and afterwards, they've gone on to live useful lives once.

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