The person I am buying my nuc from emailed me and asked that I bring my own box, I emailed back and said I could bring a deep that I didn't have a nuc and they said that was fine.
But I got to thinking that transferring the bees to another box right there on the spot it just asking for problems or is this not a problem?
I wouldn't worry about it. You could put the bees in any solid container to transport them. Then put them in your deep box. If you are going to move them in the deep, then you have to be sure it is strapped together and the entrance is closed.
You can get cheap waxed cardboard nuc boxes that are perfect for transporting and short-term housing for the bees. Or you can use Rubbermaid 14 gallon containers from Kmart that hold frames nicely.
Some of the nuc sellers are doing it that way. They usually provide you with five frames to put in your box. I would go up and transfer the the frames in the daylight so you can see if you are getting your monies worth and plug them up after dark so you get your field force returning before you leave. Make sure you take enough frames to completely fill the box so you can keep frames from moving during transit.
it's to your advatage to do this. first, you can take a look at what you are buying and second, if the person is there and helpful, they can answer any questions you have and maybe help you get it put in the right way. take extra frames! you don't want 5 frames swinging around in a ten frame box. also, he may want to swap his frames for yours although he should tell you that up front.
We also sell nucs without box. Bring your own or we transfer into a cardboard nuc which we charge you for. You also have the option of bringing it back for a refund. Next year I may adjust price and include box.
If they are close to you take your box out there and ask him to transfer that day, then close entrance that evening. Go pick up next day. This only works with ventilation, like an IPM BB. If you transfer on the spot you will lose some bees, the ones out foraging and the ones flying around from being disturbed, but does help to see what your getting like kat said.
This is a common practice in the Bay Area. Make sure you see eggs and a nice full brood pattern when transferring to your own box. Ask him about the queens history. How old is she and when did she start laying.
Thanks everyone!!!! :) I will be sure to bring my box and all the frames. I will ask questions and look at all the frames. I was just getting everything ready so I don't feel rushed tomorrow and I just realized I failed to buy a smoker and a hive tool!!! :shock: Yikes how did I do that? I guess I got busy and just forgot! I was bent on getting woodenware and a veil and got all that but of all things I forget the smoker LOL oh well now I will have to pay an arm and a leg for shipping on a hive tool and smoker LOL.
You may not need the hive tool right away,until the bees start to propolise things.As they get closer to having a box fully drawn,the need will be more apparent.
something like this is a little larger but will work in the meantime:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_146215-355-55-045_4294857573_4294937087_?productId=1017851&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr (http://www.lowes.com/pd_146215-355-55-045_4294857573_4294937087_?productId=1017851&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr)|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl_Wrecking%2B_4294857573_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=
This tool is not a handy scraper,but will work for helping lift a sticky frame.