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Feeding <br /> • • Feed pollen substitute when hiving packages to provide bees with protein to help them feed larvae. <br /> Place the patty on top of the frames near the center but without blocking access to the gravity feeder. <br /> Place the inner cover on the hive body. Pollen substitute should be replenished as needed. The bees <br /> will stop needing to be fed a patty when they start collecting fresh pollen consistently. <br /> • Feed a gallon of syrup 1:1 to the colony by inverting the feeder pail over the hole in the inner cover. Be <br /> sure the pail is not leaking. Syrup will need to be replenished every 7-10 days for at least one month, <br /> even when floral nectar is available, to help bees build wax combs. <br /> • Put an empty box around the feeder(in part to guard this sugar source from other bees and insects) <br /> and add the telescoping cover to the top. Secure the cover with a rock. <br /> Feed Pails <br /> In northern climates, it is best to use a gravity feeder—an air-tight pail with <br /> =� <br /> 1/16" holes in the lid and lip around the edge of the lid. This feeder is placed <br /> on top of the inner cover, and is protected by placing an empty box over the <br /> inner cover and under the telescoping lid (see Figure 24). When bees need to <br /> Biology be fed in our area, it may be cool in spring and early fall and the bees may be <br /> clustered to maintain heat. If the feeder is above them, they can move where <br /> Box heat rises to reach the syrup. If the feeder is in the entrance, they will have to <br /> move into colder areas to reach it. If it is a frame feeder on one side of a deep <br /> box, they risk drowning in a pool of cold syrup. Bees cannot live for more than <br /> 20 minutes below 40°F. Be nice to your bees; use a gravity feeder. <br /> • <br /> HIVING NUCS <br /> For next steps after hiving a package of bees, skip to the section entitled "Inspections." <br /> Transport <br /> It is best to transport a nuc in the back of a truck, but it can be done inside the cab of a vehicle. Secure the nuc <br /> in place so it does not tip. It is very important to make sure the lid on the nuc is secure and the entrance closed <br /> with a mesh screen to prevent the bees from escaping. Closing the entrance with mesh is important to allow <br /> the bees to move air around. Keep the nuc cool to prevent the bees from overheating. If in the cab, put the nuc <br /> on the floor and turn on the AC aimed at the nuc. The colony is at higher risk of dying from heat than from cold. <br /> Don't panic if a few bees escape as they generally fly to the windows. <br /> Care of the Nuc After Arrival <br /> It is best to hive the nuc the same day you receive it. However, if you are not going straight to the apiary (e.g., <br /> you plan to take the nuc home, then transport it to a different location at a later date), place the nuc outside <br /> and open the entrance. The box is their temporary hive and the bees will quickly learn to return to it. Keeping <br /> the nuc closed can cause the bees to suffocate or overheat. <br /> When ready to transport again, close the entrance with mesh and move the nuc when the bees are not flying to <br /> avoid leaving anyone behind: early morning, after the sun starts setting, or in cold or rainy weather. It is best to <br /> move the nuc over 3 miles away to prevent foragers from returning to the temporary location. Bees learn their <br /> location very quickly. <br /> Beekeeping in Northern Climates 35 <br />