Would it be a good idea to start a new three pound package in a five frame nuc instead of a full 10 frame deep hive body. I have available drawn comb, capped and open nectar, and pollen frames?
Would this speed their buildup and would they draw comb in a second nuc above at the same time?
YES!
You need to shay on top of it the bees will buildup fast .
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
If you are starting them on drawn comb with pollen and nectar, I would start a 3lb package in a full size hive. They will quickly become crowded in a nuc.
Steve
Quote from: asprince on April 16, 2011, 09:02:52 AM
If you are starting them on drawn comb with pollen and nectar, I would start a 3lb package in a full size hive. They will quickly become crowded in a nuc.
Steve
it takes 4 weeks before new bees start to emerge and half of package bees will die during that time. But bees may carry nectar and fill too much comb space from laying.
In three weeks they will have drawn all the comb and need more room. In four the number of bees will start to increase. But they will draw that much quicker, especially if you live in a cold climate, as it takes heat to draw wax (and to rear brood) and they can heat it much better.
So, would you suggest stacking two five frame nucs and put foundation only in the top one? If I do this how many frames of honey/nectar and pollen should I give them?
Thanks Tim
I would put them in five frames until it's mostly drawn and then add another five frame box on top. When that's mostly drawn I'd move them into a ten frame box with an empty ten frame on top... assuming you intend to use ten frame boxes.
With the weather we have been having a five frame nuc would be a blessing for the girls. In three or four weeks when its warmer move them into a full size box.
Sounds great thanks for the advice! :-D