The rearing frame carries the cups into which larvae are grafted. In royal jelly production it determines how much can be harvested in one round.

Construction

A frame containing several horizontal bars. The cups sit on each bar, usually detachable so they can be lifted off at harvest.

The frame is the size of an ordinary brood frame, so it can hang in the middle of the brood nest.

Why placement matters

The frame should hang between brood frames, in the warm zone with plenty of young bees. At the edge of the colony it cools and is less well accepted.

Number of cups

More cups does not mean more jelly. A colony can only feed a certain number properly; beyond that the jelly per cup declines.

The number should therefore be matched to the strength of the cell builder, not to the capacity of the frame.

Detachable bars

This is the practical advantage. At harvest the whole bar is removed and taken straight to the workspace, rather than working cup by cup at the hive.

Speed matters: at harvest the jelly is exposed to air and warmth.

Preparing cups

Plastic cups are better accepted when they have first hung in the colony for a short period and taken on the nest odour.

A frame straight from the packaging gives lower acceptance.

Hygiene

• Plastic takes up smells; store clean and separately
• Leave no detergent residue
• Do not let it contact chemicals
• A cup that smells of something is not accepted

Maintenance

Wax and propolis are removed after each round. Bars with damaged fixings are replaced; a bar that comes loose during harvest costs the whole round.