Practrical Guide: 4.5.2 Introducing a queen

The introduction of a queen is an essential operation in beekeeping to replace an existing queen, complete a nucleus colony, or guide selection. This summary is based exclusively on the official checklist 4.5.2 of the Swiss Beekeeping Service (BGD/SSA).

Official Factsheet (BGD / SSA) – Summary

Factsheet: 4.5.2 Introducing a queen

• Objective: Introduce a new queen to replace the old one, complete a nucleus colony, or guide selective breeding.
• Preparation:
  • Ensure the queen is accompanied by a few bees in a cage-type device with food.
  • Choose calm weather, mild temperatures, and low wind; ensure sufficient food reserves in the colony.
  • Open the hive and keep beekeeping equipment within easy reach.
• Introduction principle:
  • The new queen must be accepted by the worker bees. An introduction cage with food allows the bees to become accustomed to her scent before release.
  • The cage is generally placed between the brood and the bees, accessible but protected.
• Key steps:
  • Open the colony and determine the introduction site near the brood.
  • Place the cage with the queen in this location so that the bees can access it.
  • Leave the cage in place for several days to allow the workers to accept the queen.
  • After approximately 3 to 5 days, release the queen by opening the cage.
• Practical advice:
  • Promote acceptance through a positive queen scent (food in the cage).
  • If the colony is agitated, avoid adding external feeding immediately.
  • Subsequently monitor egg-laying and brood development regularly.

► PDF of the official factsheet (FR)

► Official factsheet page (abeilles.ch)
Note: Section Operational concept and factsheets → 4.5.2 “Introducing a queen”.

Summary based on factsheet 4.5.2. Last verification: 01/2026.

See also:

• How to introduce queens?
• Renewing colonies and queens
• Principles and methods of queen rearing
• Finding the queen