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Feeding the nuc

Getting three nucs in July means having to help them expand their hives. When I say expansion, I mean drawing out comb on wax foundations. The young Queens want to lay eggs and to do this they need empty cells. The problem is, the honey flow has slowed significantly here in Upper Franconia. We'll have to stimulate the building by faking a honey flow.

To do this, we give each nuc about 300ml of sugarwater at a concentration of 3:2. The solution is a bit thicker but it facilitates comb construction. Some old beeks will say the best way to go is with a 1:1 solution since it better simulates field nectar. 3:2 solution is mainly used for winter stores, but my mentor told me to go with 3:2, so that is what I'll do. 

The results justify the 3:2 usage. In all of my nucs, the bees are drawing out new comb. I spotted eggs on some new comb a few days ago as well as nectar and pollen.
The key, I think, is finding the right combination of amount and frequency. Right now, the nucs are getting 300ml three times a week.  Again, this is just enough to get them building. Later on, going into August, they will get larger amounts for storing. 

Here some photos:

Food from the previous feeding two days before is gone.
Copyright 2015 Jason Hotham





Pouring in 300ml of 3:2 sugar-water
Copyright 2015 Jason Hotham





Chow time, girls!
Copyright 2015 Jason Hotham

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