I’ve done hundreds of package installs over the years, and wished I’d known about this less-stress, better-for-bees method years ago. Dr. Larry Connor recommended it to me; I now teach it in my bee-ginner classes and have used it very successfully.
Someone from one of my classes found a lovely video of this method (put box in vs shaking). While a bit long, it makes a very compelling case for the gentler method. Find it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9qu-zMhtQ0
I’ve also included a few reminder pictures for handling the queen …
We start a hole in the fondant with a wood screw if there’s a huge chunk of fondant.
Here’s an example of hanging the queen cage. Workers will have access to groom her, and spread her important essence throughout the hive. Should a queen-attending bee die, the horizontal layout ensures she won’t block the hole.
Three points regarding this particular video though:
1) PLEASE wear a protective veil, minimally. Things can go terribly awry and stings to the face are tough to take. There is no macho in beekeeping.
2) If you’re installing into medium boxes, the shipping box won’t fit. You can lay it on its side, with the opening just above the frame where you’ve affixed the queen. You’ll of course need another medium box surrounding it.
3) Don’t forget to remove the shipping box about 24 hours later, and to add in all frames. I know folks who have forgotten both; bees will beautifully fill the space. Also remove the second medium box you used to surround the shipping box.
This install method is much easier on bees, and on the beekeeper!