Nuc expansion?

[planbee]

I'd like to start off a nuc, or two, to give me a good start to the season next year, but please be patient whilst I ask a couple of questions.

Firstly, what stops it from expanding so quickly that it swarms?

Secondly, what would be the latest dates that I should start them off, consistent with getting them through the winter?

I should mention that they will start outside, in my apiary, [the one that's diguised as the edge of a field of cows], and then transferred to a shed in my garden.

John

 

[Poly Hive]

Nucs are not going to expand that fast now, as you may have noticed colonies are beginning to contract.

I am planning on starting another 9 this year, and so the sooner you get your cells going really the better.

PH

 

[BKF Admin]

So is the magic number=30 for you this year PH ?

 

[Poly Hive]

My magic number for Winter is 30 yes, 20 nucs for next spring sale and 10 comb honey production units, which will also provide the nuc replacements for 2011.

PH

 

[planbee]

Thanks for the info.

As from today, I have doubled my number of hives - I now have two!

I'll get cracking with my nucs then.

John