small split, put into nuc or standard hive body?

[tandemrx]

I may end up with an extra queen this weekend.  (just got 2 in the mail and 1 was for someone that may not want it now).

So, rather than waste a queen I thought I might do a smallish split with 2-3 frames from an existing hive - just to see if I could get them strong enough to make it through a southern Wisconsin winter by fall.

Should I put them in a 5-frame nuc box (which I have) or a regular 10-frame deep to start with? Trying to think of a disadvantage of putting them directly in a deep hive body (other than a bit more room to defend - although we don't seem to have shb or wax moth issues, and a bit more room to keep warm, but we are at mid-summer now, so wouldn't think heat will be an issue).  But if its best to start them in the nuc box and then transfer when they are stonger I could do that.

as an addendum; What is the minimum number of frames of bees/brood I can get away with in starting a small split this time of year.

thanks for the input.  3rd year, getting used to dealing with swarms, but not real savvy on splits.

[Michael Bush]

The smaller the box the quicker they will get going.  I'd use the smallest box you have... but I wouldn't bother to build a special one.  Put empty frames (with comb guides) in the extra space and they won't have to guard it.

[tandemrx]

Thanks Michael,

your nucleus hives web page at your web site was quite useful.