Abstract: The present disclosure relates to relates to an apparatus for introducing a queen bee to a new or existing beehive. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a queen bee cage or cradle holder apparatus, which is adapted for holding various sizes and shapes of cages and which suspends the queen bee in her cage securely in an ideal position within the new beehive. The apparatus is designed to easily insert and remove the queen bee cage from the beehive.

Abstract: A package and system for holding and transporting small living beings, particularly, insects such as honeybees and the like, configurable in a robust, sturdy three-dimensional shape for handling and transport by mail and commercial carriers, which prevents stinging from within the package, allows escape of smaller accompanying insects such as hive beetles, is interlocking with others of the packages and strong enough to support other packages and items thereon; that provides for air flow through and about the package for heat dissipation for proper honeybee environment; that accommodates food and separately carrying a queen bee; and that can be easily and quickly broken down into a non-operational, generally flat configuration for initial sale, transport, and storage.

Abstract: A queen bee rearing and introduction system which has a base portion that includes a queen bee emerging hole disposed therein and an adjacent cell cup insertion hole disposed on a first side. On an opposite, second side there is a frame retention tab for attaching the queen bee rearing system into a standard wood hive box frame disposed along its length. The base portion also has at least one cage latch. There is a cage portion that has one open end and one enclosed end. The open end has at least one cage latch aperture. When a queen cell cup containing a queen bee cell is inserted into the cell insertion hole of the base portion, the open end of the cage portion is slid over the queen cell cup and firmly snapped into place around the base portion by sliding the cage latch of the base portion into the cage latch aperture of the cage portion.

Abstract: A cage-type device for trapping, storing, transporting and releasing a queen bee, possible with one or more worker bees. The cage comprises two slidingly attachable members which constitute bottom and roof members and also side-walls, in which there are provided entry and exit ports for the queen bee and for worker bees, which can be opened or closed, as required, by changing the relative position of the two slideable members. There is also provided a comparatively large opening, preferably in the floor section, for scooping up the queen bee, which can also be closed by a sliding motion of the two members. According to one embodiment, a compartment for a supply of bee food is provided. According to another embodiment, a slot of predetermined shape can be provided in one of the walls through which a movable member can be inserted, which makes it possible to move the queen bee to a desired location in the cage.