Queenbee Rearing System

This is designed for beekeepers who want to start grafting their own queen bees from selected larvae. It serves as an affordable entry point into queen rearing, making high-quality genetics accessible to everyone !

This system allows you to transform any standard frame into a queen rearing frame in seconds. By utilizing the top bar groove (where wax is normally inserted), you can easily mount queen cell holders without specialized equipment.

Key Features:

Universal Compatibility: Use your existing frames, whether they are brand new or old ones you have laying around.

The holders feature a 3.5mm mounting lug designed to fit perfectly into the groove of standard Hoffman frames.

Customizable: I’ve included a "blank" version if you need to adapt the mount to a different frame type. Feel free to reach out if you need a specific width!

Two Cage Options: The kit includes two types of hatching cages to keep your queens secure once they emerge.

Closed Bottom: A solid one-piece design for maximum security.

Open Bottom: Includes a separate cap/lid for alternative handling.

Easy Access "Quick-Snap" Feature: Both cages are designed with a built-in "weak point" near the base. By applying light pressure a few centimeters from the bottom, you can easily "crack" it open to release the queen , if necessary !! (see images for demonstration). ( Works best with PLA )

No glue no support !

Crucial Print Settings for Bee Acceptance:

Layer Height: The Queen Cell model is set to 0.08mm. Please do not change this. The fine resolution is essential to create a smooth, natural texture that the bees will accept.

Seam Position: The seam is set to "Random". This is intentional to avoid a vertical ridge (seam line) along the cell. A smooth, irregular surface better mimics a natural wax cell and prevents any "artificial" edges that might cause the bees to reject it.

IMPORTANT: Material Safety & Bee Welfare

I have made every effort to ensure the dimensions and geometry are as "natural" as possible to encourage the bees to accept and build out the cells. The shape is designed to mimic the natural ergonomics of a queen cell. With that being said, there are no guarantees that it will work for everyone.

Material Recommendations:

PETG: Recommended for long-term use. It is durable and can be cleaned and reused multiple times.

PLA: Suitable for single-use applications only. Dispose of the part after the queen has hatched.

I think PLA works great so give it a try and throw it away after a few uses! 

WARNING: NEVER use ABS or other filaments that emit toxic fumes or contain harmful additives.

Safety First:
Always prioritize Bee Health and Food Safety. Ensure your printer is clean and that the filament you choose is as safe as possible for use within a living colony.

Community-Driven Development
As with all great things, this is a work in progress. I am just one person with limited time, but together, we can make beekeeping better and more affordable for everyone.

I encourage you to test this print and share your results! It is a very cost-effective print, using only a few grams of filament, making it the perfect low-risk experiment for your apiary.

Thank you for your support! I hope you find this project both useful and interesting for your beekeeping