[Jim Braun]

I had 2 nucs that didn't build up much. I was worried about them making it through the winter. I saw a facebook post that showed using the screened bottom board for small nucs. So rather than worry if these 2 nucs would survive our winter I decided to use this strategy. March will tell me how well this will work.

 

[Bear Creek Steve]

I had 2 nucs that didn't build up much. I was worried about them making it through the winter. I saw a facebook post that showed using the screened bottom board for small nucs. So rather than worry if these 2 nucs would survive our winter I decided to use this strategy. March will tell me how well this will work.

Jim,

Tell us about the strategy and what you did.
Steve

 

[odfrank]

Jim,Tell us about the strategy and what you did.
Steve

I have several on division screens on top of railroad ties. The queens were born on 9/8 and mated on these screens at this location. These are on medium frames. They were thriving when inspected 10/29 and flying well last week. In our mild climate we can make three and four frame divides late and have them overwinter and then be honey producers in spring. There is light bloom available and mild sunny days. Division screen nucs:

 

[Jim Braun]

Here's what I did. I had 2 small(3 frame) nucs that didn't build up much. I put a double screened board on top of double deep strong colonies. I moved the nuc sized colonies out of their 5 frame boxes and into a deep with 8 frames and a feeder. They have way to much room in the 10 frame boxes but hopefully the heat of the bottom colonies helps them make it through the winter without freezing.

The double screened board has it's own opening that the colonies can use. I also put a 2" shim on top of the box so I can feed sugar blocks during the winter and spring when they run out of their meager 3 frames. I also put a spacer on the bottom colony so I can feed them if need be.

 

[twinoaks]

Sounds like a good plan. I am thinking of something similar for next winter. I hope it works out for you and your colonies.

 

[Vance G]

I had 2 nucs that didn't build up much. I was worried about them making it through the winter. I saw a facebook post that showed using the screened bottom board for small nucs. So rather than worry if these 2 nucs would survive our winter I decided to use this strategy. March will tell me how well this will work.

So how will adding additional cold air flow to the cluster enhance wintering in by definition weaker colonies?

 

[AR Beekeeper]

Vance, he is overwintering the nucs above a strong colony using a double screen division board, not over screened bottom boards.

 

[Jim Braun]

Thanks AR Beekeeper. Those were in fact DOUBLE screened boards, not screened bottom boards. I hope that clears up the confusion caused by the wrong terminology.