I have decided to convert to 8 frame equipment for a variety of reasons. I currently run double deeps with mediums for supers. If things go as planned, I should have 4 hives with two full deeps by the end of July. I thought I would take the 8 frames I get out of them and make two nucs to overwinter. Firstly, does this make sense? Secondly what proportion of brood to honey should I put in each 4 frame nuc? Lastly, how do I overwinter these nucs? Will they build out the remaining four frames of the hive body, and might I even expect them to draw out and fill a second story? I can, if necessary rob honey from other hives instead of harvesting it and give it to these nucs, but I would rather get at least some honey crop this year for the people.
I just, today, cut down 2 10 frame solid reversable bottom boards to use as 8 frame tops. I had to trim them 2 1/4 inches to make them 8 frame width (I hope that helps).
If you want to make nucs out of your hive(s) for overwintering I would suggest you double stack them (2 boxes). That will provide sufficient stores, then expand them into your renovated 8 frame hives comb next spring.
So instead of putting the nucs directly into 8 frame hive bodies, I should double stack them in 5 fram nuc boxes? What if instead of making four four-frame nucs out of the four existing hives I simply make two eight-frame hives. This would occur in early August. Is there then time to build them up to overwinter in the 8 frame boxes?
Quote from: Pond Creek Farm on May 29, 2009, 12:41:21 AM
So instead of putting the nucs directly into 8 frame hive bodies, I should double stack them in 5 fram nuc boxes? What if instead of making four four-frame nucs out of the four existing hives I simply make two eight-frame hives. This would occur in early August. Is there then time to build them up to overwinter in the 8 frame boxes?
Yes, but you still might have to feed them, at least to top off their stores. You want 2 boxes per hive for overwintering.
8 frame sounds ok, but I would not want to over winter in 5 frame nucs. Not in Mo. Then there
comes the xtra work changing back to 8 frames come spring.
You would have to feed sooner and more. Two 8 frame deeps plus a medium super with honey is what I would do if I was in your area. Where I am I would go with only two deeps. :)doak