Ok, Im not sure how to ask this without going over board. Just keep in mind I live in northern Wisconsin.
I have a hive that apparently wants to swarm again. Would it be insane to make nucs from the queen cells and try to over winter them? If not a insane idea, could anyone suggest how to over winter them? I heard you can winter them on top of another hive, make a insulated box to put several in together. I'm not scared to suffer some losses and disappointment if there is a fare chance of success. I can feed sugar water, steal honey, brood, and pollen to some degree if required.
Links and methods appreciated!!!
When is your first frost in Northwest Wisconsin ?
Would it be insane to make nucs from the queen cells ? IMO yes from egg to lay queen is about 45 days
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
The time to be making up nucs in the North was probably about a month to a month and a half ago...
For nothern climates (it's best to do this in late July - early August)
This is a website that has a presentation on overwintering nucs by Michael Palmer, he is in Vermont. His technique is working well for him. My bee business partner and I are trying it out for this year - so far so good. It all makes sense to me and those that I trust.
It's a good method for those with multiple hives to manage. It's a means to hedge your bets on getting colonies thru the winter.
http://www.yulesapiaries.com/VideosandPics.html
leominsterbeeman
I tried the link and it did not work. Maybe there server is down at the moment.
I have seen instructions on how to make a heated box that houses 5 standard deep with five two frame nucs in each one giving you 25 nucs. It is covered Styrofoam and the guy claims only 10-20% losses, He is in Manitoba Canada. Oh good, I found it, here it is.
http://www.mbbeekeeping.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=59
If I ever try it which I would like to, I would do it on a smaller scale for starters and probably 3 3-frame nucs in a box.
http://www.mbbeekeeping.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=59
http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232871
For your perusal.
Adam Finkelstein