NUC Question

jgarzasr · March 04, 2009, 10:55:47 AM

I went into Winter w/ four hives. Two Langs, TBH - I've now had for a few years, and a NUC I started from one of my Langs. Both of my Langs didn't make it. TBH doing OK. And surprisingly the NUC is still going strong.

I believe one of the Langs starved. It was a really cold winter. But the other Lang had plenty of stores - and was a really strong hive going into Winter - I thought for sure they would be OK. So not sure. But anyway - Like I said the NUC is still buzzing away - however I'm sure their stores are about empty. Starting tomorrow the temps are going to be in the low 50's for the next few days. Should I take some of the frames of honey, and throw another NUC Box on top? Would it be safe to open the hive and do this?

What would some of you guys do? Thanks.

NWIN Beekeeper · March 04, 2009, 11:06:34 AM

Yes. I would add another box and stores.
You do not want to exchange frames because you want empty space for the queen to begin to lay up.
I would also try to find frames with good pollen stores so that you get a good jump start on brood building.

If you are taking from your langs, try to take from upper boxes rather than lower.
The pattern of the stores will match what you are trying to do better.
The stores will be patterned like the upper have of a sphere and give more contact area with the lower frames. n
Where as lower frames might be patterned like the lower half of a sphere and the bees would have to travel farther to get to stores. u

jgarzasr · March 04, 2009, 11:42:06 AM

alright - my next question - probably a dumb one. Should I smoke the bees? Or just quickly add the box on top?

BMAC · March 04, 2009, 11:57:24 AM

If you are going to smoke your bees, make sure they are adequately dried out... Otherwise they will not light very well.... :-D

jgarzasr · March 04, 2009, 12:01:28 PM

Nice!

I guess we know what is on your mind BMAC.

BMAC · March 04, 2009, 12:44:24 PM

I thought you would like that... You should always use your smoker before opening up a colony...

NWIN Beekeeper · March 04, 2009, 08:05:29 PM

I keep my dead bees in a humidor, else if they are too dry they tend to 'flash burn' rather than give you a gentle enjoyable smolder - Like a moth on a bug zapper. Ummm... With that thought I can almost taste it.