Feeding A Nuc

[Jen]

I pulled a nuc from hot hive almost three weeks ago. Since then I did some hive equalization, so the nuc is more of a hive now. There are four new foundations in this hive that are not getting pulled, albeit it's been cold for over a week. Just today it warmed enough that I could tell a flo is on and will be for a few more days. Would giving them 1:1 syrup for a week or two be neccessary with the flo?

[pistolpete]

It can't possibly hurt.  Worst case, they'll ignore the feed in favour of nectar.  I feed my Nucs until they get the second box of foundation mostly drawn.  That way they can focus their resources on building up rather than foraging. 

[Jen]

I would like to help out this nuc, queen has no where to lay due to blank foundation. So I think I'll feed for awhile, maybe a lid with three small holes ~

[LazyBkpr]

They have ALL blank foundation? 
   I would pull one, MAYBE two drawn frames from a production hive to give them. Get them started, and as mentioned, I would also feed..   I put three hole jars on every nuc and keep those jars full until they are WELL under way drawing frames.
   I lost a nuc last fall in August to starvation, so I try to keep a close eye on them now, and be ready with more syrup when ever they need it.

[Jen]

Hi Scott    I did just that about 10 days ago, added two frames of pulled wax and bees. About a week ago I gave them syrup, 3 holes, and it was gone by the end of the day. Then we had pretty hefty cold snap. Starting today we will be back into the high 60's, so I'll pick up feeding. I'll be taking a peek at this hive today as well ~

[sc-bee]

Your call... it won't hurt but if a flow has started it is not necessary unless they need the feed. How many frames is it and how many filled honey frames. Move the foundation to the outside of the brood touching it and a honey frame on the other side. They should then draw it if she needs it.

[Mosti]

What size should the holes in the jar lids be? a mm or smaller/bigger?

[kebee]

 Mosti you want the hole just large enough for the syrup to show up and not drip into the hive, if unsure fill one up with syrup and put it where you can see if it drips on its own and that is to much, start  with small hole s and make bigger if neccssary.

Ken

[Slowmodem]

I just use a very small nail and poke 8 - 12 holes in each lid.  The vacuum inside the jar should keep the liquid from coming out (like putting your thumb over the end of a straw).  A little always runs out at first when you first turn it over until the vacuum is established.

[sc-bee]

The nails you use to put frames together, if you assemble frames, are perfect. Then get a nail and cut the head off, drill a length of dowel rod, stick etc and insert the piece of frame nail. Keep it handy to clean the propolis out of the holes in the feeder lid.

[riverbee]

"I pulled a nuc from hot hive almost three weeks ago. Since then I did some hive equalization, so the nuc is more of a hive now. There are four new foundations in this hive that are not getting pulled, albeit it's been cold for over a week. Just today it warmed enough that I could tell a flo is on and will be for a few more days. Would giving them 1:1 syrup for a week or two be neccessary with the flo?

About a week ago I gave them syrup, 3 holes, and it was gone by the end of the day. Then we had pretty hefty cold snap. Starting today we will be back into the high 60's, so I'll pick up feeding. I'll be taking a peek at this hive today as well"

with or without a flow on jen, i feed new colonies syrup until they stop taking it especially with foundation that needs to be drawn and don't stop feeding until it is drawn, and may not stop feeding until they are strong and ignoring the syrup.  in your climate, with your drought, feeding probably is your best option and 'insurance'.  also,  nucs/divides/splits often do not have the forager force to forage for and care for all in the colony even with a flow on. the syrup helps. 

[Jen]

Okay, thanks for all of that everyone.

Now, if a swarm leaves a hive, generally half of the bees and the old queen go. I would feed the swarm... then, should I feed the hive that the swarm left from? There is only half the amount of foragers left in the hive as well... ?

[LazyBkpr]

with or without a flow on jen, i feed new colonies syrup until they stop taking it especially with foundation that needs to be drawn and don't stop feeding until it is drawn, and may not stop feeding until they are strong and ignoring the syrup.  in your climate, with your drought, feeding probably is your best option and 'insurance'.  also,  nucs/divides/splits often do not have the forager force to forage for and care for all in the colony even with a flow on. the syrup helps.

     

[iddee]

one to one and a half millimeter is the normal recomendation.

[Mosti]

Okay, thanks for all of that everyone.

Now, if a swarm leaves a hive, generally half of the bees and the old queen go. I would feed the swarm... then, should I feed the hive that the swarm left from? There is only half the amount of foragers left in the hive as well... ?

I think it depends if the hive has any honey left in it, otherwise I don't think that I would feed them since all frames would have pulled comb no? But wait...maybe you could reduce stress on the foragers by feeding no?!

[Jen]

Thinking about this mosti... I'm now see that the hive would have nectar stored in it. But if I'm with it and paying attention I think I would put some syrup on during a derth for them.