Preperations for observation hive

shakerbeeman · August 27, 2007, 09:01:57 AM

Since I have wanted one of these for some time and now having ordered a queen for shipment tomorrow only to find the gal I intended to replace seems to be doing well, the ideal time has arrived. I would like to introduce the new queen to a made up 5 frame NUC from one of my stronger hives. If this will work and buy me time to make the observation hive the plan will work. All input will be appreciated. The new O-hive will be made of four medium frames stacked one top another as this is how I interpret Michale Bush's information on the subject. I plan to leave 1 3/4 in between the glass sides. Will there be any problem changing the NUC over come time to the new location?

buzzbee · August 27, 2007, 06:51:10 PM

Just be sure to use the frames in the nuc you want to transfer to the OB hive.I took the frames from the observation hive and put them in a five frame nuc box(One frame of drawn wax)and dumped a package on them.When they spread themselves onto the frames ,I lifted the frames into the hive and closed the door!

http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l65/kwrabbit/Observatioin%20Hive/

P.S> We love the Observation hive.

shakerbeeman · August 28, 2007, 12:12:01 AM

Thanks Buzzbee. Had trouble loading the pics though.

I have a queen coming Wednesday. I would like to make a small NUC with this new queen and a few stolen frames. I will locate this NUC where I plan to place the OB hive I am making to house this new colony. Hope to have the OB hive done in a couple weeks. It will be 4 medium frames.

Should I take 4 frames or just maybe 2 with workers and let them draw out a couple frames of foundation. We have a flow of goldenrod at the moment. I will block off the 5 frame NUC to make it a 4 frame.

Please tell me if I am dialing in from the right area code. :roll:

Bennettoid · August 28, 2007, 10:18:39 AM

Quote from: buzzbee on August 27, 2007, 06:51:10 PM
Just be sure to use the frames in the nuc you want to transfer to the OB hive.I took the frames from the observation hive and put them in a five frame nuc box(One frame of drawn wax)and dumped a package on them.When they spread themselves onto the frames ,I lifted the frames into the hive and closed the door!

http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l65/kwrabbit/Observatioin%20Hive/

P.S> We love the Observation hive.

WOW! Buzzbee, that thing is gorgeous.

shakerbeeman · August 28, 2007, 10:39:20 AM

Just looked at the pics. Beautiful! Makes me want to get mine going all the more. I hope my plan to create a small split with the new queen works. Was that a 3lb package? Seems like a lot of bees to start the hive off with.

randydrivesabus · August 28, 2007, 12:26:05 PM

thats great ken. do you have plans for that?

CWBees · August 28, 2007, 02:04:46 PM

Ken I have a Draper observation hive as well. Do you find that they tend to attach some burr comb to the glass?

buzzbee · August 28, 2007, 07:10:43 PM

I have had burr comb,but they tear it down and now I only have a small spot of it. Less than the area of a dollar bill!

Michael Bush · August 28, 2007, 09:18:30 PM

>Will there be any problem changing the NUC over come time to the new location?

I'd start it out in the new location and then just remove the box when you have it in the observation hive. They will find the entrance pretty quickly.

shakerbeeman · August 29, 2007, 09:01:53 AM

New location prepped and this AM I will take the frames. A little apprehensive about which to take so as to not adversely effect the donor hive. Thanks to Michael for the tips.