Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => Beekeeping 101 => Topic started by: Jen on September 16, 2015, 02:35:52 am

Title: Reasons for Not Making A Nuc Mid September
Post by: Jen on September 16, 2015, 02:35:52 am

I have a beek friend that's curious why this is not a good time of year to make up a nuc..

GO!

Title: Re: Reasons for Not Making A Nuc Mid September
Post by: apisbees on September 16, 2015, 03:40:19 am

if he has mated queens and still strong hives with lots of brood 9 to 10 deep frames in the hives then by all means pull 3 frames of brood for a nuc and introduce the queen. If the hive only has 6 good frames of brood He could jeopardize the survival of the hive if he pulled any. if he expects them to raise a queen it is to late to get a queen mated and for it to lay enough brood for winter bees

Title: Re: Reasons for Not Making A Nuc Mid September
Post by: Riverrat on September 16, 2015, 08:39:16 am

it can work in warmer climates.  When you make a nuc in the fall your limiting your options.  Its best to do it in the spring when you have all summer to get them up and running. 

Title: Re: Reasons for Not Making A Nuc Mid September
Post by: rwlaw on September 16, 2015, 08:40:26 am

I'm a firm believer in no matter where your at in the world, you should observe the equinoxes when it comes to beekeeping. In the case of a late season splits, I would think it would be a huge stress on the donor hive unless it is a boomer and your friend is afraid of it swarming, but this is coming from someone that is on the 42nd parallel and the bees (and me) are prepping for winter :-\