open QCs into nucs

[Cuckmere couple]

I have now taken 3 nucs from demaree colonies and have a question

i have left 2-3 open QCs on the two frames of BIA on the premise that the bees will choose the best and the new queen/bees will destroy the unwanted ones once she emerges

Swarming is a low risk with the number of mostly nurse bees in the nuc, so is there a disadvantage in this instance in letting the bees have a greater choice of QC to concentrate on?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I have now taken 3 nucs from demaree colonies and have a question

i have left 2-3 open QCs on the two frames of BIA on the premise that the bees will choose the best and the new queen/bees will destroy the unwanted ones once she emerges

Swarming is a low risk with the number of mostly nurse bees in the nuc, so is there a disadvantage in this instance in letting the bees have a greater choice of QC to concentrate on?

No disandvantage, I often leave multiple QC's in nucs, although I tend not to make up the nucs until the QC's are at day 7 or 8

 

[Cuckmere couple]

thanks JBM....i think these were at 5-6, about to be capped and thought that would be the case

Thanks as ever, v helpful

 

[Ian123]

I occasionally give my mating Nucs a couple if 1 looks dodgy or perhaps I have a couple spare. But they are a couple of frames in a five frame box. Not certain of any swarming yet!! It shouldn’t be an issue unless they are well stocked!

 

[linoleum bonypart]

Still very early really

 

[Cuckmere couple]

yup....its two frames bia in each plus 4 of stores as i seem to have an abundance of stores

 

[Erichalfbee]

I’d leave it at 2 of stores and some foundation. The new bees are going to need something to do

 

[Ian123]

I’d leave it at 2 of stores and some foundation. The new bees are going to need something to do

Yes 2 frames are more than enough plus am sure the extra space available would likely help if they thought about going out the door. I’ve seen casts the size of tennis balls before.

 

[Cuckmere couple]

ok.....thanks both...helpful...i assumed more stores would be good and what was eaten, and the emerged brood frames, would be sufficient for new Q to lay in, good tip though