Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Two Bees on July 25, 2010, 12:53:17 PM

Title: Combining a Queenless Nuc
Post by: Two Bees on July 25, 2010, 12:53:17 PM
I have a nuc that is not going to make a queen but still has quite a few foragers.  I am afraid that if I don't square this nuc away soon, wax moths may take over.

Can I simply place this nuc on top of another nuc using the newspaper method without causing the bottom nuc any problems?  My bottom nuc is in the process of raising a new queen and looks really good but I am concerned about placing the queenless nuc on top.

Thoughts? 
Title: Re: Combining a Queenless Nuc
Post by: iddee on July 25, 2010, 01:01:21 PM
if the bottom nuc's queen hasn't emerged yet, you don't even need the newspaper. Just stack them together and they will be fine. If she has emerged, use the paper.
Title: Re: Combining a Queenless Nuc
Post by: BjornBee on July 25, 2010, 01:34:09 PM
It may not be needed, but to suppress any fighting, you can also smoke real heavy (the bees....not you!   :-D  ) or spray down with a little sugar syrup. By the time the smoke clears and they lick up the syrup, all is bliss....

Title: Re: Combining a Queenless Nuc
Post by: Kathyp on July 25, 2010, 02:21:48 PM
i like a window screen.  you can stack them together for a few days if you are worried about fighting or not positive about the queen situation in one hive.  you keep them from developing laying workers and you can take some time to combine.  just be sure to provide an upper entrance.
Title: Re: Combining a Queenless Nuc
Post by: Two Bees on July 25, 2010, 04:04:37 PM
Thanks!

Is that like a double screen board?
Title: Re: Combining a Queenless Nuc
Post by: Kathyp on July 25, 2010, 04:35:09 PM
it's like...we replaced some windows and i have a couple of window screens left over.  also good for powdered sugar treatments if you do them  :-D