I am really sorry to hear about your queens’ failure to get out of her cage. Was there a cork plug in the end of the cage where the candy is located?
I always check to make sure that cork is out. Then, the bees can start working on the candy plug from the outside.
I have to be much more attentive this year to treat for mites. We lost both colonies the past two winters. This past winter, they were still alive at the February thaw, but were too weakened to last the last two months.
Our two replacement packages should be coming next week. Good luck!
Thanks; and sorry for your losses, too.
The cork was removed, but the candy was barely touched, from outside or inside.