Colony strength is measured by counting frames of bees, evaluating brood pattern quality, assessing bee coverage on frames, and factoring in queen age and mite load. A strong colony for pollination has 8+ frames of bees, a solid brood pattern covering 80%+ of cells, and a mite count below 2 per 100 bees. This estimator helps you grade colonies objectively.
Count frames with 75%+ bee coverage on both sides
Queens under 12 months produce the best brood patterns
Alcohol wash or sugar roll method. Target below 2/100.
Meets standard pollination requirements. Solid colony.
Scoring weighted: 30% frames, 25% brood, 15% queen age, 15% mite load, 10% stores, 5% temperament. Pollination ready requires 75+ score and 6+ frames of bees.
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A strong pollination-ready colony should have 8-10 frames of bees, a brood pattern covering 80%+ of cells, a healthy laying queen under 12 months old, and a varroa mite count below 2 per 100 bees. Most almond contracts require a minimum of 6-frame strength.
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