[marant]

There is a small (3 lb?) swarm at the local Home Depot that I can get, or they will kill it. I have never captured a swarm before, but am ready to go. Is it better to catch them in a nuc, or just place it directly into an 8 frame medium? Why is one better than the other?

 

[Brandy]

I like the 5 frame nucs for most of the swarms. Easier to carry, load, move around etc... Then get to feeding and let them build up for a month or so. If you don't mind the lifting and carrying the medium w/ lid, bottom etc... go for it.

 

[shannonswyatt]

Probably late on this one, but if it is small a 5 frame nuc is probably just about perfect.

 

[marant]

Thanks. Based upon today's experience next time it is a nuc.

 

[beegeorge]

NEVER assume it will fit in a nuc,, ALWAYS carry a full box and a nuc and when you get there,, make the decision which to use!! TOO many times I have been told by the person requesting the removal IT IS HUGE!! THOUSANDS of BEES!! only to find that it is a small swarm....

my 2 cents

 

[Deepsouth]

I like 1/2'' plywood nucs for catching swarms.
There lite and all one piece.

 

[shannonswyatt]

In this case he had seen it and it was small, but I agree, I brought a nuc for a swarm, when home and got a deep, went home and got another deep once!

 

[odfrank]

Thanks. Based upon today's experience next time it is a nuc.

Some swarms don't fit five frame nucs.

 

[marant]

I will have both a nuc and an 8 frame box if I ever get another chance!

 

[shannonswyatt]

I think Frank changed his business cards to that photo!

 

[Mr.Beeman]

I hive all my swarms in a 10 frame medium. Why not?

 

[shannonswyatt]

For some swarms that may be too small. The issue is more the size of the swarm. I saw a photo of a swarm that would seem small in a mating nuc, but some are humongous.

 

[Michael Bush]

Some swarms are as small as a baseball (some are even smaller but not worth the trouble). Some are as large as two or three basketballs. Use whatever you need to get them in. A cardboard box will do.