14 x 12 Nuc required for new bee keeper

[thedozzer]

Hi newbe looking for a 12 x 14 nuc, but happy to collect any size, we live in Essex and we have two Maisemore 12 X 14 poly hives ready an awaiting new residents, have a 6 Frame Maisemore Nuc to collect with an eck to take the larger frames. have lots of new frames with wax made up to exchange if required.
Partner has done one day course and joined local BKA

willing to travel most of SE England to collect but would need calm bees for her first year of keeping.

 

[thedozzer]

Hi we now have 1 colony (thanks Vortex) but have 2 hives so still looking for another, although seeing if we can get this one through the winter is going to be stressful enough.

 

[Murox]

Hi we now have 1 colony (thanks Vortex) but have 2 hives so still looking for another, although seeing if we can get this one through the winter is going to be stressful enough.

Welcome to the world of bees. You may want to consider being content with just the one this year. How have you planned to overwinter the colony you have, in the nucleus box or hive? What forage is going to be available to the bees between now and end August-Sept/Oct ? (depends on weather and where you live) What stores have they already built up? Do you need to consider feeding them now?

More questions than answers but stuff to think about.

 

[thedozzer]

Hi Murox
we are happy if we just have the one for this year, its only that we were told that two is better because as you change things you can compare how they react!!

We are going to try and overwinter then in the hive, we have Maisemore Poly hives and we have ordered a miller feeder to go on top, they seem to be finding lots of pollen but we will feed them 1:1 syrup to start with to help them draw comb, then 2:1 to help them build stores, going to give them 2 empty foundations to start with, with a dummy board.

then we have to go to the local BKA to find out about autumn varroa treatment

think i have learnt more about the little buggers in the last day than i have the rest of my life?