I may end up with an extra queen this weekend. (just got 2 in the mail and 1 was for someone that may not want it now).
So, rather than waste a queen I thought I might do a smallish split with 2-3 frames from an existing hive - just to see if I could get them strong enough to make it through a southern Wisconsin winter by fall.
Should I put them in a 5-frame nuc box (which I have) or a regular 10-frame deep to start with? Trying to think of a disadvantage of putting them directly in a deep hive body (other than a bit more room to defend - although we don't seem to have shb or wax moth issues, and a bit more room to keep warm, but we are at mid-summer now, so wouldn't think heat will be an issue). But if its best to start them in the nuc box and then transfer when they are stonger I could do that.
as an addendum; What is the minimum number of frames of bees/brood I can get away with in starting a small split this time of year.
thanks for the input. 3rd year, getting used to dealing with swarms, but not real savvy on splits.
The smaller the box the quicker they will get going. I'd use the smallest box you have... but I wouldn't bother to build a special one. Put empty frames (with comb guides) in the extra space and they won't have to guard it.
Thanks Michael,
your nucleus hives web page at your web site was quite useful.