can someone explain what a nucleus is. can you have a full size colony in one, or do you have to transfer them after it gets so big.
A nuc is a beginning hive. 2 to 7 frames. All hives have to have space added to the point that they are never totally full. Even if you have 3 or 4 full deeps and they have more nectar coming in, they need another.
A nucleus is the center of an atom. It contains protons and neutrons; except for Hydrogen which just contains a proton.
Or listen to what iddee said :)
Nucs are used to start new colonies, that's their main function. You start said new colony with a few frames of brood from a full sized hive and let them get established (raise a queen) in a nuc box before moving them to a bigger box.
can you harvest honey out of a nuc and keep the bees just in there without tranfering them into a bigger hive if you add boxes as needed
Quote from: colbees on July 27, 2012, 10:40:13 AM
can you harvest honey out of a nuc and keep the bees just in there without tranfering them into a bigger hive if you add boxes as needed
You can if you like but it is more practical to put them in a full size set up. Four deep nucs set atop each other would equate to two deeps. easier to manipulate two deeps than four nucs and then from there where will you go? 6 nucs atop each other, 8? By then you have a stack of narrow boxes that could easily tip over.
...JP
Quote from: colbees on July 26, 2012, 11:42:11 PM
can someone explain what a nucleus is.
Nucs and splits are the same thing,but generally terms used to describe their purpose. Splits are made to increase your colonies from your bees. Nucs are purchased from someone else and they make them to sell at a profit.Most nuc you find for sell in New England are 5 frames deeps
Quote from: colbees on July 26, 2012, 11:42:11 PM
can you have a full size colony in one
IMHO No you can not you only got 5 frames of deeps
Quote from: colbees on July 26, 2012, 11:42:11 PM
do you have to transfer them after it gets so big.
Yes if you buy a good one over a week old or so.
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
In New York, you need approx. 20 frames covered in bees and 12 to 15 of them full of honey and pollen for the hive to live through the winter. Any honey after that, you can harvest. As JP said, to stack nucs that high would be impractical, and would be impossible for a colony to heat during a NY winter. In your area, 2 10 frame deeps and 1 or 2 medium supers is the best setup for a new beekeeper to have honey for harvesting and bees alive in the spring.