Best way to set up a 3 frame nuc

[jdesq]

I'm getting 2  three frame nucs this spring and would like to know the best way to set these up. Should I put the 3 frames in the middle with empty frames on each side and a frame of capped honey on the outside of the empty frames? What is the best way to help ensure success.

[Michael Bush]

The best way is put them in the middle of a five frame nuc box with a frame of foundation or drawn comb on each side.  :)

[jdesq]

How about if I am putting them in a  10 frame hive box?

[amymcg]

Then I would put the three frames in the middle, if you have any honey, put those right outside of the three brood frames, and any empty frames or foundation all the way to the outside.


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If no honey or drawn comb then it's just

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[Ross]

Put a follower board into the hive to cut it down to 5 frames.  3 frames of bees in a 10 frame box will not thrive.  They have to work too hard to maintain that environment.