Could three pound packages fit into a nuc

[tom]

OK

Here is the deal i am getting three packages again this week and i do not have any deep frames so i was going to use shallow or medium frames with deep foundation. I want to keep these bees in the nucs until they fill out the five frames and then place them in the eight frames hive bodies. I will not have a bottom on the frames so it will be like the TBH hive will this work for these packages.


Tom :-\

[Brian D. Bray]

I just finished hiving 4 3lb packages.  I would say that 3 lbs of bees will fit into a medium nuc without any problem.  Might even be better for them as they will be as snug as a bug in a rug.  Less space and more able to concentrate on the space they have.  I would suggest adding another mediun nuc super before transferring them over to a full eight frame.  That way you'll have plenty of drawn comb and brood and on the way to a 2nd super anyway.  Don't be surprized if they build out the nuc in a week of less.

[tom]

Thank :-D you for this info. i have no deep frames so i was going to use medium or shallow frames and let the foundation hang and then transfer them to me eight frame buti like your idea to put a super on top that will work even better.


Tom

[Michael Bush]

I have had trouble fitting 3lbs into a five frame nuc only when there is drawn comb.  They will still fit, but at first they have trouble arranging themselves into it.  On foundation or foundationless they fit quite easily.  Just pull out the two middle frames and dump in the bees.  Then set the frames in gently and wait for the frames to move back down.  Then put the queen in and the lid on.

[tom]

Thank you MR. Bush i have nothing in them but foundation no drawn comb and the frames i am using will be mediums and shallows with no bottoms i ran out of deep frames so this is going to have to do them.

TOM