Opened the hive for the second time..

[Ghost]

Installed June 20th.
4 frame NUC.

The four frames look jam packed with capped brood. There were a few larvae cells.
Pollen cells. Honey.

Found the queen.

They have only started comb on one side of the two next frames (inside of the new frames).

I'm a little worried I haven't found any eggs - there appears to be more capped brood then when I had checked the 1st time.


How far a long should my hive be - on average. Obviously most hives are going to be different.

[mikecva]

Welcome to the insanity. "How long" sounds like you have a top bar hive (TBH). Many of those I know have hives from 36-48 inches. One has one at 60" but he was not happy with it so he put in a divider so he can run two hives. I do not do TBH so I can will give advice on running one. With mine I would go into the hive about every 2 weeks and on my first year I would feed 1:1 sugar water and a pollen patty until the bees get the hang of the area and have built out some (again I do not know about TBH so maybe someone who does run these can give you better advice.)
I would also suggest looking for a local bee club to give you some local advice and maybe be a mentor to you.

[rookie2531]

I don't know where you got a clue about tbh, but to me sounds like a lang. Comb on one side, sounds like foundation. I think top bar both sides drawn same time.

Eggs are really hard to see, especially on new comb. It doesn't matter if it is FL or foundation. Older the comb is, the easier it is to see.

If there is a nectar flow, they draw alot faster than if not. If nothing is coming in, then i suggest you feed to get comb drawn.
Congrats on becoming a beek. It's awesome

[mikecva]

Oops    I read the 'how far a long' and went brain dead. (it happens at my age) I did not mean to confuse. Time for my nap, I guess.   

[Ghost]

Yes it's a Lang :)

I'm just wondering how long it takes for them to fill their first box of frames. I realize there probably isn't one answer. Just trying to get an idea.

I have fed them (they've gone through two and half large mason jars since June 20th).
I will give them another jar tonight.

Also: I always feel like I'm squishing the bees when I put their full frames back. Not rolling the bees along the sides - but in between the frames they've built up. I don't think I am actually harming them - but any tips for this?

Cheers

[mikecva]

Take one frame from the outside (1 or 10) put it aside (I use a quit box myself to put the frame in) then slide the frames until you get to the one you want to inspect.  -Mike

[rookie2531]

I have found that it depends on there numbers, the flow and the box size. There are probably a lot more variables that I don't know. If you feed, it helps by making sure the feed don't go dry at any time. also the amount they are able to pull the feed makes a difference. A jar with 75 holes compared to one with 7, of course the one with 75 will empty first and the cells will fill faster, but what you want is a nice balance of syrup intake for comb production and not too much that they start filling brood nest. It is something that I got very lucky with last year, with 3 hives, but now that I am trying to grow 32, well its more challenging. Managing the frames also helps. Opening the broodnest is the name, but take that half drawn frame and throw it right in the middle of them and they should draw it out quicker. I think that they draw faster in stacked 5 frame equipment than ten frame equipment. Lots of variables. Oh, and 2 1/2 quarts for 2 weeks is a little behind average for me, but you may have a flow on or not many holes in the jars and just starting with a 4 frame nuc, well its just starting. It will pick up if shes a good layer.