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Thread: Super for a nuc ..... Yes or No

  1. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jon View Post
    Paynes recently brought out a super and a brood extension for their polynuc.
    I think both of these will prove very useful in certain circumstances, ie good way to add a bit of temporary space and delay any thoughts of swarming before the contents get transferred to a full size box.

    Attachment 2495
    I'm more of the opinion that it would be more efficient to move them into a full sized box than adding height to a narrow unit, making it unstable, also having another lot of equipment just for nuc expansion when a six frame nuc when full is ready to explode into full size equipment already in stock with no need for specialist queen excluders or supers.
    I have met beekeepers who use 8 frame equipment exclusively mind, and they seemed to do quite well, if a little labour intensive to hold them from swarming.

  2. #12
    Senior Member prakel's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mbc View Post
    I'm more of the opinion that it would be more efficient to move them into a full sized box than adding height to a narrow unit, making it unstable, also having another lot of equipment just for nuc expansion when a six frame nuc when full is ready to explode into full size equipment already in stock with no need for specialist queen excluders or supers.
    I have met beekeepers who use 8 frame equipment exclusively mind, and they seemed to do quite well, if a little labour intensive to hold them from swarming.
    A lot depends on what the long term plan is for the nuc, if it's queen rearing rather than an interim box for making colony increase then I reckon that there's plenty of scope for a shallow on top of a 14x12. I think that there could be some useful experience gleaned from having a go and as the op is plainly quite capable of building the gear himself I don't see much material loss as he can later add an extension to make a full depth box or, as earlier, keep it as a mating nuc. I can remember one of my uncles using nothing but bs shallows for queen mating when I was growing up. They seemed to work well in his hands. If the idea is just to make increase then I wouldn't even bother with a nuc box. They'd be straight in a full size body.

  3. #13
    Senior Member Adam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mbc View Post
    I have met beekeepers who use 8 frame equipment exclusively mind, and they seemed to do quite well, if a little labour intensive to hold them from swarming.
    I made a few 8 frame brood boxes and supers as an experiment. An 8 frame box is a good overwintering size for a strong nuc. However the problem is that you finish up with a very high bee hive as they grow - 3 brood boxes and 1/2 dozen supers means you need a box to stand on the get the crown-board off! Inspections also take time too. Apart from that it's effective enough for the bees and it's easy to cut down a plastic queen excluder to fit. I was thinking of running as a Warre - by putting empty boxes underneath as the colony grows but decided not to in the end - maybe next year.

    Would I make any more? No.

  4. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by drdoug View Post
    I have made a 14x12 6 frame nuc ready for next season.
    My question is, should I make a super for it or would it be a waste of time ?
    Thanks
    Drdoug
    Hi
    yes make a super (assuming a super is 1:1 frame size as nuc), overwinter with the super on.
    We do that with about 40 6 frame nucs now.
    In end of april when they are full, we sell the colonies as 10 framers, and retain 2 frames with suitable brood and enough bees per nuc to "reboot" the colony. We replace the queen, if she isnt f1 or satisfactory in August.
    - a great way to "spawn" new / replacement / backup colonies.. They need less (if any) winter feed and less medication - very handy to transport (at least without the super)
    If you are limited for space they are really efficient!
    br
    Calum

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