NUCs and old comb

[deermaster]

I am going to start 2 new hives this spring from Nucs. I have some deep frames from a hive that went queenless late last year. A small population of bees stayed and died by December. The bees drew out 15 frames of comb in 2 deeps prior to winter. Should I use this comb with the Nucs? Seems like a 5 frame nuc with 5 more frames of drawn out comb in a deep would be a great start this spring. Or should I just place 5 new frames of foundation and let them go to town???

[Kieck]

I would give the nuc foundation in the deep when you transfer them, and use five frames of the drawn comb in the next deep when you add the second hive body to the hive. Five frames of drawn comb and five frames of foundation in the second hive body, that is.

[Jeffzhear]

I second that, use the drawn out comb, it will give them a head start.

[deermaster]

Thank you for the help......One question though. Why use the old comb above the broad nest? It this to keep them from filling it with nectar and possibly clogging the broad nest???? Why not just use the drawn comb as the other 5 frames in the lower deep? I have enough drawn comb for the lower 5 frames needed and the upper deep......

[Kieck]

That drawn (used) comb seems to encourage them to move up into the second deep more rapidly than just putting frames of foundation or frames with comb guides above them.