If you're looking to buy high-quality Carnica queens, Imkerei Schell is the ideal choice. Our naturally mated Carnica queens combine gentleness, low swarming tendency, and exceptional honey production—qualities valued by hobbyists and professional beekeepers alike.
Why buy Carnica queens from Imkerei Schell?
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Certified Quality: Our queens originate from proven Carnica breeding lines and are naturally mated in Northern Germany.
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Gentle Temperament: Ideal for beekeepers who appreciate calm and manageable colonies.
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High Honey Yield: Our queens produce robust, productive colonies with outstanding honey output.
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Moderate Swarming Tendency: Carnica queens exhibit slightly higher swarming tendencies than Buckfast bees, but careful swarm management allows for stable and healthy colonies.
Transparent Origin and Easy Ordering
Each Carnica queen is marked with a colored Opalite disc indicating the breeding year. Upon request, a health certificate for your queen is provided. Delivery includes a special introduction cage, accompanied by attendant bees and sufficient candy for safe transportation.
Buy Carnica Queens – Conveniently Order Online Now
Order your naturally mated Carnica queen online at Imkerei Schell and benefit from our extensive experience in queen breeding. Our queens are available starting in May—reserve your queen now for the upcoming season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Introducing a Carnica Queen
How do I properly introduce a Carnica queen to a brood split (without flying bees)?
In the morning, select around three capped brood frames with emerging bees attached. Place a food frame on both sides and add a water frame. Supplement with additional young bees and leave the split with an open entrance for 3–4 hours. Afterwards, introduce the queen in a cage, initially fully enclosed for 24 hours, then switch the closure to candy. Check queen acceptance after at least one week. Start feeding once the queen lays eggs.
How do I introduce a Carnica queen into an artificial swarm?
Sweep about 1.5 kg of bees from one or more colonies, preferably young bees or bees from honey supers, into a swarm box. After 2–3 hours, transfer this artificial swarm into a hive equipped with drawn comb or foundation sheets. Introduce the queen simultaneously, initially fully enclosed. Store the artificial swarm in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours. Move the swarm to its new location early in the morning or at dusk. Replace the closure with candy and begin liquid feeding on the third day.
How do I introduce a Carnica queen into a full colony?
Only introduce a new queen when the colony is confirmed queenless. Remove or cage the old queen nine days prior and thoroughly remove all queen cells. Introduce the new queen initially fully enclosed for 24 hours, followed by a candy closure. If unsure, perform a queenlessness test. Beginners should seek support from experienced beekeepers due to potential risks.
Can I treat a young colony with formic acid against Varroa mites after introducing the queen?
No, formic acid is harmful to young queens. Refrain from treating young colonies with formic acid for at least six weeks after queen introduction.
By choosing a Carnica queen from Imkerei Schell, you invest in the future of your apiary—healthy, productive, and gentle bee colonies.
© Master Beekeeper Hansgeorg-Michael Schell, Imkerei Schell
