[Jerry Kinder]

I captured a small swarm no bigger than the slow-pitch softballs in a 5 frame nuc. They almost cover two frames. How long should I keep them there until I move them into a 10 frame hive? I have some drawn comb for them when I make the switch to the 10 frame hive which should help them along but I'm not sure how long to keep them in the nuc.

 

[mike haney]

till they cover 5 frames. good luck,mike

 

[Fuzzy]

Until they have drawn out all 5 frames and filled with brood. They will then be crowded and not generally happy to see you. But they will be strong enough to rapidly build up in the 10 frame box.

 

[peacekeeperapiaries]

I agree, wait till they get most of the 5 frames filled out. I had a small softball swarm like that I caught last week of July last year they went gang-busters and put on 50lbs of honey in sept/oct...outstanding queen. Good luck

 

[Hambone]

I had a small softball swarm like that I caught last week of July last year they went gang-busters and put on 50lbs of honey in sept/oct...outstanding queen. Good luck

Same here. Caught a small softball size early last year. They just took off. Made a good surplus. These are also my best coming out of winter. Love me some ferals.

 

[Hambone]

I captured a small swarm no bigger than the slow-pitch softballs in a 5 frame nuc.

Is a fast-pitch softball swarm smaller or bigger?

 

[Jerry Kinder]

Wikipedia to the rescue:

Circumference:
9 inch for hard ball
11 inch for fast pitch softball
12 inch for International Softball
16 inch for slow pitch softball

 

[Monie]

Lmao!!

I hope to catch a hardball sized swarm this year, but a slow pitch softball would be best.:lpf: