... in the wild, is it better to put them in a nuc or into the hive you intend to keep them in?
I have put all the ones I cut out into regular hive boxes. But I have had a problem with keeping them going. That problem I know is way tooooo much room. They should be placed in a smaller area. Unless you get one huge colony and don't kill too many of them.
OH but you are talking about swarms not established hives right? I would say a smaller area than a regular hive body would be better. You can make a follower board for the hive body.
I had planned on building a TBH. Mainly becauseI had heard they were easier for a beginner, such as myself. to work with. Plus I got all the materials I need to build it.
I just wasn't sure on wheather to put the "hiveless" swarn in a nuc and then transfer to the TBH.
Or to just transfer the swarm from the trap straight to the TBH.
I have placed all mine in regular hives. They would not fit into nuc boxes.
Sincerely,
Brendhan
Bees gorge themselves with honey/nectar before swarming so they are prepared to build comb when they find their new home. Take advantage of this and put them in your TBH and let them get busy building comb. You can reduce the area with a follower board. Swarms are great comb builders.
nvr mynd
A swarm is prepared to start from scratch. A cut out is not.
So I won't have nothin to worry about , puttin em in to "big" of a place?
Since a swarm may leave any second, the most important thing is to put them in something handy. :) That could be a burlap sack, a five gallon bucket with a vent in the lid or a cardboard box. But a hive is nicer.
it depends on the size, if it is a smaller swarm i think i would use a nuc,but if it is larger i would go with a hive. Mind you i have only been doing this for a little more than a year.