Rehive or double brood NUC

[Motobiman]

Ok I have a swarm colony in a double brood box poly Nuc that has almost filled all frames.

Choices are add another nuc broodbox or rehive into a full size poly.

I am told by an experienced beek at my BKA that he has had good results overwintering first season swarms in tall poly nucs even going to five boxes if necessary and then rehiving into nationals in spring when flow starts. so I have kind of decided to try it but how do you guys view the advantages/disadvantage of this?

 

[user 6228]

bees do tall thin nests. Average tree cavity 1.5m tall. So long as you stop it toppling over, the bees will be very happy.

 

[Teemore]

What have the bees filled the frames with? Stores? Nectar? Brood?
When did you hive the swarm?
If I have a strong nuc at this time of the year, I put them into full hives and let them settle themselves for the winter.
If this is a strong colony they could be put into a full hive and supered. You might get a surplus of honey from them. If you add a third or fourth extension to your Nuc the colony might pack the frames out very quickly The same could well happen if you move them to a full hive. Its your choice. Whatever you choose to do, keep an eye on their build up so that you can address any space issues that might arise.

 

[Vortex]

Choices are add another nuc broodbox or rehive into a full size poly.

Either will work .. it's down to what "spare" kit you have available. If you need to get foundation drawn then I'd add in another Nuc box, and put it between the two current boxes without a QX.

 

[Motobiman]

Ok it was a bit stormy this morning and they were pretty tetchy so I decided to just add a Nuc brood box.

The brood nest appears a good solid pattern on the middle four frames and with about two or three inches in the top box and sealed and open stores above and well into the corners.

Lots of nectar too.

Too tetchy to mess with so added the box on top with no QE and closed up.

Will leave them a week and check again in better weather conditions.

Funny how they often make the decision for you . . . . . . .

 

[REDWOOD]

Lots of beekeepers overwinter bees in a normal size hive perfectly, I suggest putting the eight frames of brood into a normal hive and put a QE and a super on and you might get some honey when the weather warms up. If you are getting up to 10 frames of brood then either split or double brood