Queen Breeding for Amateurs by C.P. Abbott

“Queen Breeding for Amateurs” by Abbott is a classic text on queen rearing, first published in 1947 and revised in 1951. Beekeepers should consider reading this book because it provides foundational knowledge on queen breeding, which is a critical aspect of beekeeping for maintaining healthy and productive hives.Queen breeding is essential for several reasons:

1. Genetics and Bee Quality: By selectively breeding queens, beekeepers can influence the genetic makeup of their colonies, promoting traits like disease resistance, productivity, and gentleness.
2. Colony Vitality: A new queen can revitalize an aging colony with fresh genetics and increased egg-laying capacity, leading to a more vigorous and productive hive.
3. Swarm Control: Understanding queen rearing can help beekeepers manage swarming tendencies by preemptively requeening or splitting hives.
4. Sustainability: Beekeepers who can rear their own queens are less dependent on purchasing queens, which can be costly and may introduce diseases or pests.
5. Local Adaptation: Queens bred from local stock are often better adapted to the specific environmental conditions and challenges of the area.

Although the book is quite dated, the principles of queen rearing have remained largely consistent over time. The book’s historical perspective can also provide valuable insights into how queen rearing practices have evolved and why certain methods have stood the test of time.

Given the book’s age, it may not cover the latest techniques or advances in bee genetics, but it still serves as a valuable resource for understanding the basics of queen rearing. For beekeepers interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in queen breeding, Abbott’s book can be a helpful starting point, complemented by more current resources and methods.