Introducing a purchased mated queen is a managed acceptance process, not a direct release into an unfamiliar colony. Confirm what is already in the hive, prepare a suitable queenless unit, and follow the instructions for the queen and cage supplied. A virgin queen or laying-worker colony needs a different plan.
Confirm queen status before ordering a replacement
Not seeing a queen on one inspection does not establish queenlessness. Check eggs, brood age, recent swarm or supersedure history and any queen cells, using the separate queenless guide where a test frame is appropriate. A hidden virgin can cause a replacement to be rejected. Decide whether requeening is actually required before ordering. If there are multiple eggs, drone brood or prolonged queenlessness, ask a mentor to assess the colony rather than assuming a standard mated-queen introduction will work.
Prepare the colony and read the cage instructions
Have a healthy receiving colony with enough adult bees, appropriate food and a clear queen-status plan. Confirm that the old queen is no longer present before attempting replacement; do not destroy a queen simply because you failed to find eggs on a cold day. Resolve queen cells and any possibility of another queen with experienced help where necessary. Keep the new queen protected from heat, direct sun, chilling, sprays and ants while arranging introduction. Read the supplier’s instructions before changing any cage plug.
Introduce the protected queen with minimal disturbance
Use the supplied protective cage so workers can contact and feed the queen while immediate physical attack is prevented. Position it in the occupied brood area as the cage instructions require, with ventilation and worker access clear and the exit unobstructed. Avoid crushing the cage between frames. Do not open it outdoors to separate attendants as a routine beginner step; handling attendants is method-dependent and accidental queen loss is easy. Minimise disturbance and write down when the cage was fitted.
Decide when candy release is appropriate
Some methods begin with the candy outlet protected, followed by a later assessment; others specify access to candy at introduction. Follow the actual supplier’s method rather than combining different timings from different guides. Workers feeding calmly through the cage is encouraging. Persistent biting, clinging tightly or aggressive balling means direct release is unsafe. Do not poke the queen out or force release to meet a deadline. If behaviour or cage operation is uncertain, leave her protected and obtain prompt supplier or mentor advice.
Check acceptance and laying without repeated disruption
Arrange the follow-up interval in advance from the chosen introduction method. Repeated opening can disturb acceptance. At the planned check, establish whether the cage is empty and look for suitable evidence of a functioning queen when conditions allow. Eggs and developing worker brood are more useful than merely spotting a marked queen. Record what was actually observed. A newly introduced queen is not guaranteed accepted merely because workers have eaten through candy.
If the queen is rejected or remains caged
If the queen remains in the cage, check that workers can reach the outlet and whether the candy passage is obstructed, without improvising an unsafe release. If she is missing or dead, reassess for another queen, queen cells, laying-worker development, inadequate bees or food and disease before buying a second queen. Seek timely practical help. Autumn introductions have less recovery time; do not leave a failing unit indefinitely without a viable queen and food plan. The queen-buying hub explains supply options, while this guide covers preparation and acceptance.
Related Jurassic Bees guides
Sources and further guidance
This guide brings together Jurassic Bees’ teaching and knowledge-bank material with the following external guidance. External recommendations are not presented as our own apiary observations.
Reviewed 30 October 2026. For hive-specific help, use our contact form or your local association mentor. Product and medicine instructions take precedence for the equipment and treatment concerned.