Mating Station
Lexikon
A mating station is a remote site where only selected drone colonies are kept and where queens are mated under controlled conditions.
A mating station is a remote site where only selected drone colonies are kept and where queens are mated under controlled conditions. The aim is to determine the paternal side of the offspring, which is not possible with apiary mating.
A distinction is made between inland mating stations, located in valleys, forest areas or mountain regions as far as possible from other apiaries, and island mating stations, where water provides the isolation. They are generally run by regional associations, breeding associations or institutes.
Anyone sending queens there must meet certain requirements. The mating units must be drone-free or carry a queen excluder, so that no drones of their own come along. Also required are the breeder's name and address, a health certificate, and the number of deliveries stated. Delivery takes place on set dates, and in some cases registration with the mating station management is required. The father colonies are brought to the mating station at least a week before opening, so the drones reach breeding maturity there.
A mating station is never one hundred percent secure. Drones fly far, and depending on location, individual outside drones get through. This is why the protective zone is kept clear and the mating station is operated only within a limited time window.