Jester EZ Nuc Boxes

[Sundance]

I got a sample Nuc box from Jester Bee.

Today I got my chance to put it through it's
paces with a cut out.

I can only compare them to the Mann Lake
waxed cardboard Nucs.

The EZ Nuc is well worth the extra $3.00 with out a
doubt.

Much better frame rests.

Much better frame fit.

Ventilation is superb.

Nice space over top bars for pollen patties.

Nice entrance that can be closed down (no
plastic plug to buy and lose).

Lid is hinged and that makes it really convenient.

Heavy duty. This should stand up and out live
5 cardboard nucs.

Only complaint..... The slot above the entrance
will let bees leak. It is designed to hold the entrance
door up, but don't forget to tape it shut on transport.

In short, at this point I won't use anything else.
When my Mann Lake cardboard ones are gone,
nothing but Jesters EZ Nuc.

I will update this regarding wear and weathering.

Jester EZ Nuc

[WLC]

It's a small world.

I just got my order of jester EZ nucs today too.

I assembled and baited it, then put it up on the roof.

I wonder if it will catch a swarm before my TBHs?

I did notice that the frame rest extended beyond 19 inches.

[Sundance]

I did notice that the frame rest extended beyond 19 inches.

Yes I thought they could have been a bit
tighter. But compared to Mann Lake Cardboard.....
Man those cardboard ones can bite... frames often
drop off the "rest" and lay on the bottom.

[Grant]

I have bees in my EZ nucs and echo much of Sundance's comments.

I carry a little roll of duct tape to close off the entrance slot that "leaks" bees when I close the entrance. Other than that one thing, this box is an incredible design and very handy.

Grant
Jackson, MO

[brac]

You guys that have these in hand, does it seem like there is enough ventalation for a road trip? Also are they sturdy enough that you could stack for transport?

[Sundance]

You guys that have these in hand, does it seem like there is enough ventalation for a road trip? Also are they sturdy enough that you could stack for transport?

I have stacked the cardboard ones 4 high. I have
no experience stacking these yet. But my gut feeling
is that they will do better than the cardboard ones.

The ventilation is at least 5 times better than the
Mann Lake cardboard ones. Holes in the front, back,
and all along the top sides.

[honeyman46408]

I got one today and was disapointed in where they are made

[wildbranch2007]

I got 10 of these and tried them the other day. All my frames are to short for the rests, i have tried assembling in the only three combinations that the ends can be assembled in and the frames are always to short. I have three different brands of frames including dadant and all end up on the floor of the nuc during transport. anyone have any idea what kind of glue would work on a small piece of wood and the plastic box so the frames will stay up?? thanks

[honeyman46408]

The frames "ride" on the rest good in the "one" EZ box I have as for the wood brace I added braces in the "ML" cardboard boxes I have to stop the fraames from falling.

I did all kind of mods to the ML cardboard boxes.

[Bees&Wood]

Glad I saw this thread, I should be getting 2 jesters today.... We're wanting to try our hand at making a small split and letting them raise a new queen, kinda as a backup plan. But I have a newbie question...how do you feed sugar water using a nuc?

[honeyman46408]

When we make nucs (4 frame splits) around here we put one frame of honey for food

[fish_stix]

As for the longevity, Jester makes up all his nucs in these boxes and some have been in use for a long time, out in FL weather, with 100 degree sun one minute and zero visibility thunderstorms the next minute. I have 100 of them and they work real well, although not as much ventilation as I'd like. I've moved up to 50 at a time and had no mortality due to ventilation so I guess there's enough. The real good quality is that they weigh 1/4 of a wood nuc and I'm getting old! You can glue a wood strip in them if you don't like the way the frames ride, but also consider putting a couple of small screws or staples into the wood from the outside. One improvement you can easily make is go to Home Depot and buy some sticky back Velcro and stick a 2 inch piece on the inside of the flap of the lid to hold it down. Otherwise, it tends to spring open on its own.

[Bees&Wood]

Does it have to be a full frame of honey put in the nuc? Are there any other options?

[Desert Viking Ranch]

I can see these as being easy to use for smarm traps if you are mounting them off the ground somewhere, but come on, for $11.95?? Unless you are buying them in large quantities, you can build nuc out of WOOD for less and they will last a hell of a lot longer. In fact I just built one last night out of 1x8 from Lowes (using their select woods) for $14.00 and I "splurged" on nicer stuff - it will last practically forever. In our dry heat plastic doesn't last nearly as long as in other environments.

[Ray4852]

you can build a nuc real cheap if your handy with wood. I think its time we all wake up and look what our government is doing to our country. its time we all demand more building here at home and take care of our people. I'm looking for a new extractor and I wont buy one from another country. I will pay a little more and get the maxant because its made in the states. if its not American made don't buy it. it don't take a college education to figure that out.

[fish_stix]

Another one living in a dream world!

[Bees&Wood]

Well I've been wanting to try the nuc plans from this site, for the 4 nucs from one sheet of plywood. I just haven't had time, and we found a queen cell the other day that I'm hoping to get in a nuc... And Dadant didn't have (or has discontinued) the cheaper cardboard nucs that I was going to get...only reason I had to get the EZ nuc.

[HONEYDEW]

Frame feeder......answer to how do you feed sugar water to a nuc....

[odfrank]

Your frames are not to short, the boxes are too long. A glue gum might be best. I have no college degree and have a hard time folding them. I caught a bait swarm in one.

[valleyman]

I own 5 of the Jester nuc boxes. all of the problems listed here are the one that I have, frame rest too far apart, and the lids won't stay closed. When I get to it I will merely glue a piece of wood in the rear, so as to not block the entrance. Velcro, bunji cords, or even big rubber bands will hold them closed. For the money they are great. I plan on using mine for Queen rearing, as well as swarm traps.