My four Nucs nearly at 8 frames each

[Beezer]

I want to increase these when they are colonies in full brood box, about two weeks yet?

I thought to split two or maybe three of them each into two Nucs and leave the existing colonies and Queens to build up again.

With the split, I thought three frames each, brood and stores, into Langstroth Nucs, introduce bought in mated Queens to the nucs and let them build up for winter.

The split colonies would have the remaining four frames and the Queen for them to build up and also enter winter.

This would give me six Nucs and four colonies going into winter for me to build up next year and make some money and more colonies???

The remaining untouched original colony would produce some honey for us to fawn over and gift to landowner and others, also some sales?

Advice and thoughts very much appreciated and sought.

Thanks in anticipation.

The introduction of bought in Queens would bring some certainty, at a price (fair).

 

[oliver90owner]

All things are possible but it will be what you get coming out of winter which may be your production starting point for next year.

Buying in queens is certainly the best way to go for a newbie and can give greater increase, but just beware of trying to run before you can walk.

Good luck to you. If things are in your favour, it will be a piece of cake.

RAB

 

[Beezer]

Thanks for the encouragement Oliver90, I forgot to say that the Nucs are not for resale, I want to build up colony numbers.

As you say 'trying to run before you can walk' - Is the methodology I have outlined good or is there a better way forward to achieve this.

Finer points need honing of course and any suggested reading welcome please.

 

[oliver90owner]

No particularly better way (other than purchasing some more bees).

It will work as long as you are aware of any risks which may appear between now and next spring.

It is a relatively easy thing for an experienced beek to increase, but less so for a new starter. That is all I am saying. Tread carefully and expect no more out than you put in. You could finish up with considerably less if things don't go to plan.

Beekeeping can work to a plan, but there are so many things that can change the plan - and the bees are just one of those. A rash of supercedures later in the saeson could scupper even the best plans.

Go for it, but don't 'count your chickens' just yet.

Regards, RAB

 

[BBG]

Sounds solid commentary and for me too the advice is much appreciated.

 

[For want of a better word]

If you want to make some money on the side I would get a job stacking shelves at the local supermarket... far less stressful !


Feeling a bit cynical after watching a program on how the tourists / local population are being ripped off in Kenya!

 

[Beezer]

Thanks RAB - much to ponder and more to hope on!