tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post7198075928756841739..comments2024-02-23T05:26:35.037-05:00Comments on Linda's Bees: How to Install a NucUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-33021891373678250452017-04-03T19:06:50.951-04:002017-04-03T19:06:50.951-04:00I have drawn out frames from a hive that I lost fr...I have drawn out frames from a hive that I lost from starvation. When I get my new nuc is it safe to use new or is it okay to put the already drawn frames. There are some pollen still in one of them?Brenda Hnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-67386410345694721732016-05-20T14:57:16.835-04:002016-05-20T14:57:16.835-04:00I don't buy nucs, but back when I did, I didn&...I don't buy nucs, but back when I did, I didn't worry about foundation cell size. I just gave them foundationless going forward. In other words, the frames I added to the hives were foundationless. The general problems with foundationless beekeeping are that if you don't put new empty frames between fully drawn frames, the bees may color outside the lines.Linda Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08089537760868691562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-28493122895467262382016-05-15T23:49:19.890-04:002016-05-15T23:49:19.890-04:00What cell size foundation is on your nucs? Have y...What cell size foundation is on your nucs? Have you had any problems installing nuc frames into a foundationless hive?Pamelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06594466258140953431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-76611379182318912482016-04-19T16:53:11.647-04:002016-04-19T16:53:11.647-04:00Brenda, You need a deep box for deep frames. You c...Brenda, You need a deep box for deep frames. You can stack two medium boxes but there will be empty space at the bottom and the bees will just build comb hanging off the bottom of the frames - makes inspecting a little difficult! Hopefully the nuc supplier also carries equipment.Linda Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08089537760868691562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-34797571196720436082016-04-16T01:34:36.060-04:002016-04-16T01:34:36.060-04:00I got a Flow Hive and am picking up a nuc in the m...I got a Flow Hive and am picking up a nuc in the morning. Super excited and well prepared. I've seen most have just one brood box and then the super but I plan to add another box to give the bees two full boxes of their own in case there is a long winter.Alison Roby Bigleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15880731221815818894noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-36606025838018004792016-04-15T21:48:30.073-04:002016-04-15T21:48:30.073-04:00Linda, I just found your blog on installing NUCS a...Linda, I just found your blog on installing NUCS after googling for information. Thanks for a detailed description of the procedure. I have already set up two 8 frame medium hives. The only source for bees we were able to get were NUCS with deep frames. We are scheduled to pick up the NUCS next Saturday. Can I just stack two medium supers and install the deep frames from the NUCS in the top medium super or do I need to get deep supers to accommodate the deep frames in the NUCS.Brenda Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-79555652004781223632014-06-09T22:08:06.326-04:002014-06-09T22:08:06.326-04:00The bees can't draw wax if there isn't a n...The bees can't draw wax if there isn't a nectar flow. In Atlanta, the tulip poplar had a very short bloom period and we are out of the nectar flow so my bees aren't drawing comb. If there isn't any food in your area (you don't say where you are), then you may have to feed the bees. Generally after the main nectar flow, nectar continues to come in, just not in as large quantities.Linda Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08089537760868691562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-10809990254856066842014-06-07T13:09:51.697-04:002014-06-07T13:09:51.697-04:00I installed a two frame nuc two weeks ago. The bee...I installed a two frame nuc two weeks ago. The bees are still <br />congregated on the original frames and are not drawing comb<br />on the adjoining new foundation and frames. Should I worry?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-24875846310397504412014-05-17T23:07:31.146-04:002014-05-17T23:07:31.146-04:00We are picking up our first nucs in a few weeks. I...We are picking up our first nucs in a few weeks. I can't wait to install them! I've only installed bee packages in the past. I am so excited!meemsnychttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10584936035577822444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-9121678569069136472013-05-25T09:28:55.934-04:002013-05-25T09:28:55.934-04:00Thanks so much.Thanks so much.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-40036683454819601342013-05-24T22:38:14.937-04:002013-05-24T22:38:14.937-04:00Wait until Sunday afternoon when it is 60. It wou...Wait until Sunday afternoon when it is 60. It would be unfair to the bees to do it in the cold. You should open the entry of the nuc and have the nuc sitting on top of the hive where they will be installed. That way they can come and go (which they probably won't want to do in the cold and rain) but they will be in a better mood when you install them in the afternoon. And they will be oriented to the hive location.Linda Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08089537760868691562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-22556228900786285942013-05-24T21:12:26.746-04:002013-05-24T21:12:26.746-04:00I just got my first nuc and it is cold and raining...I just got my first nuc and it is cold and raining (in the 40's). Tomorrow it will rain all day plus only reach a high of 54. It won't reach 60 degrees until Sunday afternoon (day after tomorrow). I understand that it is preferable to install the bees in their new hive early in the day, so my question is, should I wait till 3 PM on Sunday when it is 60 degrees, or do it earlier on that day when it is colder (in the upper 40's and lower 50's)?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-8682510555761066502012-07-31T22:43:05.084-04:002012-07-31T22:43:05.084-04:00The only good use I've found for a queen exclu...The only good use I've found for a queen excluder is to use as a drain rack when I cut cut comb honey. I never use one on my hives. Well, once I did to prove that the hive had two queens - one in the top of the hive and one in the bottom, but that's the only time I've used a queen excluder in my bee hives.Linda Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08089537760868691562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-48092394115032469952012-07-30T11:03:48.488-04:002012-07-30T11:03:48.488-04:00Do you put the queen excluder on top to stop her g...Do you put the queen excluder on top to stop her getting onto the crown board?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-47132967223693345382012-02-24T21:46:57.900-05:002012-02-24T21:46:57.900-05:00It's too late to help Lin (in comment above) b...It's too late to help Lin (in comment above) but I feel bad I didn't answer. A top bar hive requires a package for installation. The frames in a nuc will not fit into a top bar hive. If you are doing a top bar, most people order packages. If you order a nuc, you just about have to install it into a deep Langstroth box....unless you've made special arrangements with your seller.Linda Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08089537760868691562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-28011987897497204222011-11-08T12:37:49.237-05:002011-11-08T12:37:49.237-05:00Linda, I'm a newbee and have ordered a Top Bar...Linda, I'm a newbee and have ordered a Top Bar Hive (being made) and will make my Spring 2012 order of bees soon.(now November '11) My source has informed me they have nucs, not packages. What would I do differently with a TBH when installing bees from a nuc? The frames would not be the same shape as the TBH so would not 'fit'. I've emailed my sourse, but they haven't answered. Maybe they don't like TBHs.lol<br />Thanks, Lin (short for Linda):)Linhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13139762641943999653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-34021838689005986912011-06-04T00:01:52.653-04:002011-06-04T00:01:52.653-04:00As long as they didn't die of foulbrood, you c...As long as they didn't die of foulbrood, you can clean it up for the new nuc. If you have any doubts about the cause of death - sounds like starvation - then use a propane torch to scorch the inside of the hive and use it as if new.Linda Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08089537760868691562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-13964323412281117362011-06-03T16:11:35.498-04:002011-06-03T16:11:35.498-04:00My hive died....dead bees stuck to comb, ants in t...My hive died....dead bees stuck to comb, ants in the hive and feeder and mildew on bottom board. Now what? Do I toss that hive and feeder and bottom board, or can I scrub it for my new nuc that is arriving tomorrow? I can't figure out how to post my name...that's why it's anonymous.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-6050255457894273312011-04-12T18:51:06.030-04:002011-04-12T18:51:06.030-04:00Hi Rich, putting two hives in at the same time is ...Hi Rich, putting two hives in at the same time is fine.Linda Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08089537760868691562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-86082928054613455572011-04-12T17:29:16.863-04:002011-04-12T17:29:16.863-04:00Is it advisable to install a nuc in a new hive and...Is it advisable to install a nuc in a new hive and a package of bees in a very nearby new hive at about the same time? Will there be a robbery?<br /><br />Rich from MTrich'shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11343103426863840121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-73490151755140782172011-03-28T12:10:12.710-04:002011-03-28T12:10:12.710-04:00That's the EXACT color I just painted my hive ...That's the EXACT color I just painted my hive boxes! Thanks for the tips about installing a nuc. "Beekeeping For Dummies" and Kim Flottum's book don't explain it at all, strangely.RPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08601117186441423425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-54578638981721844502010-04-30T11:36:22.625-04:002010-04-30T11:36:22.625-04:00I pic up 2 nucs this morning and am very nervous b...I pic up 2 nucs this morning and am very nervous because it is rainging:(<br />I really have no choice tho. Wish me luck...<br />Mary Jane from Malvern ARUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17771770143913266652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-26212713232025261662010-04-18T00:43:11.393-04:002010-04-18T00:43:11.393-04:00Wonderfully helpful, as I pick up my first nuc in ...Wonderfully helpful, as I pick up my first nuc in the morning! Thank you! What a terrific find your blog is! Ciao from Spokane, Washingtonchristienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-90873571235393128652008-04-24T10:55:00.000-04:002008-04-24T10:55:00.000-04:00thanks so much, that is so helpful!the comments ab...thanks so much, that is so helpful!<BR/>the comments about the smoke was basically what one of the bee experts here told me, but another one said that beginning beekeepers should use smoke more often until they get the hang of it. <BR/>I will look into the issue of the entrance reducer. I've placed my hives a foot or so off ground so hopefully it will make it harder for the mice to jump up there! (but mice are very crafty...)<BR/><BR/>thanks again, good luck with your bee season!salmonpoetryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12969320882927031803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27329001.post-58863508066826578692008-04-24T07:12:00.000-04:002008-04-24T07:12:00.000-04:00To question 1: I don't use smoke when I am instal...To question 1: I don't use smoke when I am installing a nuc. I always suit up when I am working with the bees or at least I always wear long sleeves, my veil and gloves. I get a large local reaction to stings so I try to protect myself. But in installing a nuc, you'll be able to see the queen, if you look hard for her, but won't need smoke.<BR/><BR/>As a matter of fact, I rarely use smoke for anything other than an announcement of my presence. I light my smoker on a hive inspection just so I can blow one puff of smoke into the door of each hive I am inspecting. The other time I use smoke is to smoke myself when a bee is a particularly vigorous guard and I want her to leave me alone.<BR/><BR/>2. I would ask your local beekeeping organization about the entrance reducer. I think people sometimes staple #4 hardware cloth to the entrance to keep out mice, but you'd have to ask someone other than me. If I were a mouse I'd gnaw or push the entrance reducer aside if I wanted to get into the hive.<BR/><BR/> I've used an entrance reducer in three occasions: to leave the hive less open in the winter, to keep robbers out when I had a robbing problem, and to reduce the amount of entrance a hive had to protect when the colony was very small.Linda Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08089537760868691562noreply@blogger.com