Swarm in a Teacup

[Stiffy]

Did my usual checks over the weekend and noticed this swarm desperately trying and succeeding on getting into an empty mini nuc!
More than half the bees were outside trying to get into this little box; inside it was absolutely stuffed with bees . I took the box off and replaced with a full sized Nuc and shook bees in, all still there this morning!
S

 

[Obee1]

Did my usual checks over the weekend and noticed this swarm desperately trying and succeeding on getting into an empty mini nuc!
More than half the bees were outside trying to get into this little box; inside it was absolutely stuffed with bees . I took the box off and replaced with a full sized Nuc and shook bees in, all still there this morning!
S

I had to reclaim my bait hive as I needed the brood box back. I thought about putting a nuc out instead but thought it wasn't the optimum 40L size. Having seen this I think I'll go plant some nucs around the place.
Congrats on your new swarm.

 

[oliver90owner]

So much for Seeley! Whilst there may be optimums, the range may be quite wide.

 

[Roola]

I had to reclaim my bait hive as I needed the brood box back. I thought about putting a nuc out instead but thought it wasn't the optimum 40L size. Having seen this I think I'll go plant some nucs around the place.
Congrats on your new swarm.

I have caught 2 swarms this year in a converted paynes poly nuc (converted to take 8 frames) with the 14x12 eke on it.

 

[dn170221]

I had two bait hives on my garage roof, one Pains with eke and a home made wooden 5 frame nuc. They chose the 5 frame one!

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

So much for Seeley! Whilst there may be optimums, the range may be quite wide.

I think Seeley found that given a choice of either a hive with a greater volume than 40l or one with less - they always chose the lesser

 

[Obee1]

I think Seeley found that given a choice of either a hive with a greater volume than 40l or one with less - they always chose the lesser

Point me at someone who has an oversized bait hive and I can park my nuc next to it and nab the swarm