Uniting two nucs

Biddly · May 25, 2011

I have two nucs in the garden apiary. One is queenless and is depleting in numbers. The other has a new virgin queen ( or recently mated but has not started laying ). I would like to join these two nucs. The aim is to save the weak nuc and build up the one with the queen in. Both nuc boxes have removable floor. Therefore, can i use the ' pricked newspaper ' method with one nuc box ontop of the other to unite ? Or can i spray the bees and combs of each nuc with perfumed water and then place each of the five frames from each nuc both in a new brood box creating one new hive ?

If the perfumed water way is ok to do can you please advise me of the ratio of how many drops of perfume to the quantity of water.

I have also read that flour is sometimes used on both the bees and comb as another method to unite. Could this method be considered as a third uniting option ?

Which ever method is best for the bees, should i do it early evening when the majority of the hive are ' in residence ' ?

Thank you for your help and guidance for a newbie with a scratchy head, furrowed brow moment.

Poly Hive · May 25, 2011

Unite with newspaper with the q+ part on top. Prick the paper to give them a start with the corner of your hive tool.

You are in effect asking about three different ways. Forget the other two as they are similar and riskier and use the paper method.

PH

Otleybee · May 25, 2011

I used the paper method to unite a weak colony with a prime swarm this year. It is now my strongest colony has filled two supers and is about to go onto double brood chamber. As a second year beekeeper I am v chuffed with this.

So I would support using the paper method. Worked a treat.

Biddly · May 25, 2011

Thank you so much for your advise. I will unite the two nucs tomorrow using the newspaper method. That was the starter for 10 question.....
Sorry, another question - for a bonus of 15 - when is the best time of day to do this ?

Again, thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to reply.

the naked beekeeper · May 25, 2011

Poly Hive said:
Unite with newspaper with the q+ part on top. Prick the paper to give them a start with the corner of your hive tool.

You are in effect asking about three different ways. Forget the other two as they are similar and riskier and use the paper method.

PH

How come the q+ on top out of interest?

plumberman · May 25, 2011

Biddly said:
Thank you so much for your advise. I will unite the two nucs tomorrow using the newspaper method. That was the starter for 10 question.....
Sorry, another question - for a bonus of 15 - when is the best time of day to do this ?

Again, thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to reply.

During the day, remove crownboard of Q- nucleus, and replace with your newspaper: use drawing pins to secure it all round. Replace roof
Make sure the Q+ nucleus doesn't have any projecting bits of brace comb.

In the evening when all flyers have returned, remove roof from the Q- nucleus, and then put your Q+ nucleus over the newspaper you placed there earlier on. If you are lucky, you will disturb very few bees that way.

Just done it 10 minutes ago......