Mating/laying Q = Mini-nuc < Nuc < Hive

[The Drone Ranger]

here's a simple nuc construction I think it takes national size frames
http://www.squidoo.com/6-easy-steps-to-make-a-nuc-box

[mbc]

here's a simple nuc construction I think it takes national size frames
http://www.squidoo.com/6-easy-steps-to-make-a-nuc-box

langstroth

[The Drone Ranger]

langstroth

Thanks MBC

[The Drone Ranger]

I have 7 apideas who have produced one mated queen and have been given another queen cell
Those cells have hatched out and there is sealed brood in there from the previous queens
Will they be overcrowded or can I just let them get on with things ?
There are 3 with queens who have been in there for a while how long can I leave them they have sealed brood as well

[Jon]

21 days from she started to lay is the key time to watch as a load of new bees will emerge over a couple of days.
You will need to remove brood or add more space.
Easiest first step is to remove the feeder and give 2 more frames.
I redistribute brood from one apidea to another to try and even out strength.
If you have apidea supers you can add another 5 frames on top.
I have the feeders out of most of mine at the moment.

[The Drone Ranger]

Thanks Jon I will have to get some spare frames
It's really a hold the fort job because I wont be rearing any more queens after these

[Jon]

Spare frames

Why pay more?

[The Drone Ranger]

Spare frames

Why pay more?

Neat !
thanks Jon I will make some tomorrow
The way the weather is shaping up mating might be a risky business

[Jon]

DR.
Best way after removing the feeder is to move the drawn frame from the front of the apidea to the front of where the feeder sat and then place one new frame at the front and the other at the back. The 3 existing frames stay in the middle. If you put two new ones together they might cross comb them.
This knowledge will be handy should you ever decide to burn the nationals and build yourself a top bar hive!

[The Drone Ranger]

DR.
Best way after removing the feeder is to move the drawn frame from the front of the apidea to the front of where the feeder sat and then place one new frame at the front and the other at the back. The 3 existing frames stay in the middle. If you put two new ones together they might cross comb them.
This knowledge will be handy should you ever decide to burn the nationals and build yourself a top bar hive!

Smith Hives I have but I take your point
I had a few things to do this morning and the few quick hive checks turned into a steam sauna nightmare
So the construction has been delayed till tomorrow morning and now I know where I should put them.
Many thanks