Splitting hive & introducing new queen

[RichardK]

Next week I'm expecting delivery of a mated Buckfast queen by the post. Should be Wednesday.

How would people recommend I move forward with the split? Do it now to make the nuc hopelessly queenless before introduction.... but then what if the queen arrived a week late?!

Or make the nuc up on the day the queen arrived & before any queen cells can be built?

I'm introducing into a hive of local mongrel bees who are generally well behaved. Weather expected to be mid 30's & hives are in the sun all pm till early evening... so hot in the sun.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

wait for the queen to arrive then make up a nuc with a couple of frames of emerging brood, and at least a frame of empty comb then a good shake (two frames of bees, or even easier if you get two or three frames of bees from the super) and either a frame of stores or (some would say better) a feeder with a few litres of 1:1 syrup. stuff some fresh grass in the entrance to block the bees in for a good few hours/a day. then immediately after they've settled, put in the queen in her cage with the candy protected for 24 hours before the bees can eat it out.

 

[RichardK]

wait for the queen to arrive then make up a nuc with a couple of frames of emerging brood, and at least a frame of empty comb then a good shake (two frames of bees, or even easier if you get two or three frames of bees from the super) and either a frame of stores or (some would say better) a feeder with a few litres of 1:1 syrup. stuff some fresh grass in the entrance to block the bees in for a good few hours/a day. then immediately after they've settled, put in the queen in her cage with the candy protected for 24 hours before the bees can eat it out.

Sounds like a plan - many thanks.