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    Default Super for a nuc ..... Yes or No

    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 ?
    image.jpg


    Thanks

    Drdoug

  2. #2
    Senior Member Mellifera Crofter's Avatar
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    That's a nice nucleus, Doug. My opinion: a second brood box (like the Paynes poly nucleuses or Modern Beekeeping's Beebox Langstroth nucleuses) is a good idea and will give you flexibility to expand the colony, particularly when you're short of full-size hives - but no, I don't think you should bother with shallows. I think it's better to concentrate on getting the colony stronger, rather than asking them to collect honey.
    Kitta

    PS - I assume that you meant shallows when you said 'supers'?

  3. #3

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    Yes by super I mean a shallow box.

    I agree with you but think I might just make some more nucs to use for build up prior to transfer to my full size poly hives.

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    Senior Member prakel's Avatar
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    A shallow can be a handy thing if you're looking for increase and planning to overwinter the nuclei. A nucleus which goes through the winter with a shallow on top, that the queen has free access to, will have brood in both boxes before a double 14x12 does simply because she'll want to lay at the top but the shallow won't be deep enough to contain her.

    Used the principle on and off for quite a while now, just needs some off the wall thinking.

    Another thing, if it was me I'd be considering using commercial shallows (16x6) rather than those silly bs ones but that's just my own personal preference.

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    I would make the entrance near the bottom, so they can easier remove dead bees, ect.

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    Senior Member Adam's Avatar
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    I have a bunch of 5 frame nucs and did make a super a few years back. Haven't used it for a few years. The last time I used it was when I put it under the 5 frames of brood for winter stores. So in my experience it's not likely to be used. OK for a feeder eke though. I agree with the entrance at the bottom.

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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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