Wintering nucs/making nucs before winter

[bee-nuts]

Ok, Im not sure how to ask this without going over board.  Just keep in mind I live in northern Wisconsin.

I have a hive that apparently wants to swarm again.  Would it be insane to make nucs from the queen cells and try to over winter them?  If not a insane idea, could anyone suggest how to over winter them?  I heard you can winter them on top of another hive, make a insulated box to put several in together.  I'm not scared to suffer some losses and disappointment if there is a fare chance of success.  I can feed sugar water, steal honey, brood, and pollen to some degree if required.

Links and methods appreciated!!!

[Jim134]

When is your first frost in Northwest Wisconsin ?

Would it be insane to make nucs from the queen cells ? IMO yes from egg to lay queen is about 45 days


     BEE HAPPY Jim 134  :)

[Michael Bush]

The time to be making up nucs in the North was probably about a month to a month and a half ago...

[leominsterbeeman]

For nothern climates (it's best to do this in late July - early August)

This is a website that has a presentation on overwintering nucs  by Michael Palmer,  he is in Vermont.     His technique is working well for him. My bee business partner and I are trying it out for this year - so far so good.   It all makes sense to me and those that I trust.

It's a good method for those with multiple hives to manage.    It's a means to hedge your bets on getting colonies thru the winter.

http://www.yulesapiaries.com/VideosandPics.html

[bee-nuts]

leominsterbeeman

I tried the link and it did not work.  Maybe there server is down at the moment.

I have seen instructions on how to make a heated box that houses 5 standard deep with five two frame nucs in each one giving you 25 nucs.  It is covered Styrofoam and the guy claims only 10-20% losses,  He is in Manitoba Canada.  Oh good, I found it, here it is.

http://www.mbbeekeeping.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=59

If I ever try it which I would like to, I would do it on a smaller scale for starters and probably 3 3-frame nucs in a box.

[adamf]

http://www.mbbeekeeping.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=59
http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232871

For your perusal.

Adam Finkelstein