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INSPECTIONS <br /> 1 Day After Hiving Packages or Nucs S <br /> Whether you hived a package or a nuc, the instructions for what to do next are the same. <br /> Check the feeder pails to make certain the bees are obtaining sugar syrup. Do not disturb the colony unless <br /> you suspect the bees are not consuming the sugar syrup. If after 24 hours, the bees have not consumed any <br /> syrup, check the pail to be sure the holes are open, and nothing is obstructing the hole in the inner-cover that <br /> gives the bees access to the feeder pail. For package bees, make sure the bees are clustered in the middle <br /> of the box. If the bees have clustered toward one side of the box, rearrange the empty frames so that the <br /> cluster is centered and below the feeder. Nucs will remain clustered in the center on the brood frames because <br /> they need to incubate the brood. Package bees will not have brood for some days after hiving, so they do not <br /> necessarily cluster in the center of the box. <br /> 4-7 Days Later: First Inspection <br /> Four to seven days after hiving the package or nuc, 4. " ' ! . P4.1044e �' . ' <br /> Y g p g „,, <br /> conduct a brief colony inspection. '-' �� t ; y11,,Lirr r <br /> � r r <br /> " <br /> Prepare Yourself .i <br /> • Light the smoker before opening the 4.# +,. • <br /> colony and take a few minutes to ensure 4 <br /> it stays lit. Put on your protective gear, i 'w <br /> take a deep breath, and prepare to move , . rF. . - <br /> slowly. <br /> • Approach the hive from behind or the side. ..{. a�+�tk v <br /> Do not stand in front of the entrance ash '' <br /> you will block the flight path of the bees. �a `� o ; <br /> Opening the Hive .i t • � '„ a'., <br /> • Using a hive tool and keeping the smoker )•• ' , . � ! <br /> N <br /> at hand, slowly remove the outer cover, g„` " <br /> • <br /> syrup bucket, and box covering the feeder. R . 4.•:,‘,114�". *. <br /> Gently pry open the inner cover and puff a , .• `', <br /> little smoke over the bees, observing how " `19, .lib ` <br /> they move down into the box. • ' - •••• <br /> V <br /> • Slowly and smoothly, remove a frame <br /> toward the outside of the box, inspect what <br /> is on it, and leave it on end outside the <br /> Colony (Figure 33). Figure 33.A frame of worker brood is placed standing on its <br /> end while a beekeeper looks through the colony. Placing the <br /> • Puff more smoke where you plan to place frame on its end and gently leaning it against the colony so only <br /> your hands next, then one by one remove the top of the frame touches the colony reduces the number of <br /> adjacent frames to check for eggs and for surfaces the frame and comb touch, decreasing the likelihood of <br /> the queen. Return the frame to the box squashing bees.This frame is made from black plastic and not <br /> the more typical wooden construction. <br /> after inspecting it. • <br /> Beekeeping in Northern Climates 38 <br />