I was fortunate to catch my first swarm ever right in my front yard today, but I do have one question. I caught the swarm in my top bar NUC it has nine bars that have been waxed, but whats the best way to feed them, and how long should I keep them in the NUC before I put them in my top bar hive. I moved them tonight to the location where I'm going to set the hive up I just need to know the best way to feed them. For what it's worth an entrance feeder wont work, there's not enough room for one... any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
wltwine,get a quart or gallon{ if it fits} zip-lock bag with sugarwater and place it on the bottom of the nuc and make a slit about an inch long on the top of the bag.ill let them build in the nuc and when they build comb on most of the bars then place them in your hive. ...schawee
I'm 200 miles west of you. Here the flow is so heavy I am not feeding at all. I have a little honey on one bait station, but there hasn't been a bee on it in 2 weeks. Schawee has the right way, if they will take it. Don't be surprised if they ignore it.
Ive done really well with swarms not feeding at all.