Got my nuc tonight

LoriMNnice · April 23, 2012, 11:48:22 PM

Picked up my very first bees tonight. It was a 4 frame nuc. I brought my own box and extra frames :)
Beekeeper told me to only use 9 frames, should I listen to that advice? or should I put the 10th frame back in?

It was getting dark when I got home, so I was a little rushed. I did give them a baggie of syrup on top of the inner cover then put a spacer box and then top , hope this was ok to do?

I got to see the queen and she was NOT wearing a tiara so JP is wrong that is not how you tell who is queen!!

I couldn't really see the brood pattern the frames were covered with bees and my untrained eyes couldn't see past that

ShaneJ · April 23, 2012, 11:57:28 PM

A lot of people recommend using 10 frames in the brood box.

My mentor told me to only use 9 and I have been since. It allows easier inspection of the frames reducing the chance of rolling the queen. I have had no troubles at all so I'll be sticking to 9 frames in my brood and honey boxes.

iddee · April 24, 2012, 12:00:55 AM

I would put the 10th frame back in. You can safely use 9 frames if they are all drawn out, but it is only beneficial in honey supers, not brood chambers. You should NEVER use 9 frames with foundation, or foundationless frames. ONLY with drawn comb.

Joe D · April 24, 2012, 01:05:59 PM

This is another option that you read and decide which you think is best. I don't know which is right, I personally if going with 9 would like to have spacers in place to keep them straight. I am running 10.

Joe

backyard warrior · April 24, 2012, 09:40:58 PM

I would not run 9 frames in brood chambers, only honey supers. It is wise to give them that 10 frame thats an extra frame for brood in the brood chamber and if you use two deeps its two extra frames a wise beekeeper wants as many frames in his brood chamber as possible its more room for brood and bees to cling too. Nothing is gained in my opinion by going with 9 frames. Chris

yockey5 · April 24, 2012, 09:53:21 PM

10 frames in 10 frame hive (brood boxes) and 8 frames in 8 frame (brood boxes. Honey supers are another story.

LoriMNnice · April 24, 2012, 11:33:52 PM

Thanks everyone...I put the 10th frame back in :)

BlueBee · April 25, 2012, 01:13:06 AM

Congratulations on those new bees! Let the fun begin :)

Did you go with Italians, Carnioleans, or what?

LoriMNnice · April 26, 2012, 06:12:26 PM

Quote from: BlueBee on April 25, 2012, 01:13:06 AM
Congratulations on those new bees! Let the fun begin :)

Did you go with Italians, Carnioleans, or what?

Thank you! I never asked what kind of bees they are :)

annette · April 26, 2012, 09:09:43 PM

Congratulations. Funny I thought you were already a beekeeper :?