Nucs vs deeps for splits

[richski]

Why should you use a nuc vs a deep for splits? You still need to transfter the nuc frames into the hive body, so cost shouldn't be a factor. Placing the bees in a deep with an entrance reducer should prevent any robbing? The only reason I can think of is conserving heat.

[Chef Isaac]

I have come to the conclusion that bees build up faster when working smaller spaces.

For me that means shaking packages in nucs versus deeps.

[Michael Bush]

During the early spring when it's cold, and if they are making their own queen, it makes a noticable difference to put the split in a nuc. With a laying queen and in the heat of the summer, I doubt you'd notice a difference.

[Ian]

Good question richski,

Ya, I agree with Micheal.


But I have skipped the nuc step myself, jsut for the very reason you stated, "You still need to transfter the nuc frames into the hive body". One frame of honey, one frame of brood and one bees, and a queen. They might seem like they are doing better in the nucs, but later that year, I bet you dont see much differecne.
I normally dont make up increase nucs til later in the spring.

[Chef Isaac]

This question depends on what your ultimate goal is. If you put bees into a nuc, yes, as they expand, you will need to do something about it. If you want, at that point, put the frames into a deep. But for me, I want to get my numbers up so I will put on a second nuc box and when they have pretty much fileld it, I will take the bottom nuc box off and move it somewhere else (another yard). Put the second deep where the first deep was and put a queen in there.

An easy way to get your numbers up.

[richski]

Chef Isaac
Michael Bush
Ian Steppler

Thanks for the help with my question.

Rich

[Joel]

I move my splits 750 miles in May. Since I'm not big enough for a bobcat or palletization it is much easier for me to lift and load nucs than deeps.

[tecumseh]

mr bush writes:
During the early spring when it's cold, and if they are making their own queen, it makes a noticable difference to put the split in a nuc. With a laying queen and in the heat of the summer, I doubt you'd notice a difference.

tecumseh adds:
well in the summer the big difference would be you are providing an enormous amount of space for small hive beetles to loiter. the more you crowd the bees the less problem you will experience with shb (if ya' got 'em in your particular genographical area).

when making up splits into smaller boxes they are easier to pick up (as Joel mention) and I can place more of them on my truck than I could if I was using a 10 frame box.

[Ian]

>>enormous amount of space for small hive beetles to loiter

Thats a consideration I have not had to deal with yet. yikes!

[Sundance]

Great point Tec........ Wax moths can get a hold on the fringes too.

[Michael Bush]

>well in the summer the big difference would be you are providing an enormous amount of space for small hive beetles to loiter.

Never had to deal with that. You are probably correct.