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How to Hive Nucs <br /> See Figure 32 for step-by-step management instructions. • <br /> Equipment Setup for Hiving a Nuc <br /> • The equipment needed will be the same as in hiving a package, except that only 5-6 new frames will <br /> be needed, as the nuc will contain 4-5 frames with bees, brood, and food stores (see Figure 28). <br /> Preparation <br /> • Bring the nuc to the apiary where the new hive set-up is prepared. The deep hive body should have 5 <br /> frames of foundation if the nuc comes with 5 frames, or 6 frames of foundation if the nuc comes with 4 <br /> frames. <br /> • Place a cork in the hive body 1" hole. <br /> • Position the entrance reducer in the deep hive body using the smallest opening with the entrance facing <br /> down. This helps prevent other bees from robbing the new, small colony. <br /> • Set the nuc next to the deep with the inner and telescoping covers removed. Push the frames of <br /> foundation to the sides, leaving an opening in the middle of the deep with enough room to put all the <br /> frames from the nuc. <br /> • Take a deep breath and slow down. Be ready to take a video or pictures to commemorative the <br /> experience. This is fun! <br /> Transferring a Nuc to a 10-Frame Box <br /> • Open the lid and gently transfer the frames, one by one, from the nuc to the open center of the deep. • <br /> Put them in the same order they were in the nuc box. Observe each frame as it is moved. Look for the <br /> queen and all stages of brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae). Look for stored pollen and nectar. <br /> • Thump a corner of the nuc sharply on the ground to knock the remaining bees to that bottom corner of <br /> the nuc box and pour those bees into the colony or at the entrance. Be extra careful if the queen was <br /> not seen since she can be on the walls of the nuc box. <br /> • Use a thick sharpie to mark the tops of the frames with the date to keep track of which frames came <br /> from the nuc. Before writing on the frames, use your hive tool to scrape off any wax. <br /> Feeding <br /> • Feed pollen substitute to provide bees with protein to help them feed the growing larvae. Place a patty <br /> on top of the frames near the center but without blocking access to the gravity feeder. Place the inner <br /> cover on the hive body. This patty may not need to be replenished, depending on availability of fresh <br /> pollen. If bees are bringing in pollen at the front entrance and the weather forecast looks warm for <br /> blooming plants, then it is unlikely the bees will need to be fed pollen. If in doubt, feed a pollen patty. <br /> • Feed a gallon of syrup 1:1 to the colony by inverting the feeder pail over the hole in the inner cover as <br /> in Figure 24. Be sure the pail is not leaking. Replenish the syrup every 7-10 days to help the bees build <br /> wax comb on the foundation. <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 /> • <br /> Beekeeping in Northern Climates 36 <br />