Cool Spring Nuc Installation

[FatherMichael]

This is the coolest spring we've had in 10 years with nice rains, promising good crops.  I've wanted it to stay cool to hold off the Mesquite flow but now am worried about introducing a nucleus from San Antonio this weekend.  We're looking at cool nights well into June -- very unusual for West Texas.

Have a small bottom board entrance (3/8 x 4") on the 8-frame deep body brood chamber with 1" cedar walls and a 2" blanket box on top filled with pine pet bedding.  Plan to give them a cup of sugar on parchment paper on top of the frames.

The hive has a sunny exposure on the South side.

What else can I do to keep them warm?

[TheHoneyPump]

How big is the nucleus colony?  How many frames?
If you put them into the 8 frame box with the setup you describe they will do just fine as long as they are more than 4 frames.  Also, ensure the hive is only 1 box high, single, until the weather is warmer and the nuc expands.  Do not setup in 2 boxes.   

Hope that helps!

[FatherMichael]

How big is the nucleus colony?  How many frames?
If you put them into the 8 frame box with the setup you describe they will do just fine as long as they are more than 4 frames.  Also, ensure the hive is only 1 box high, single, until the weather is warmer and the nuc expands.  Do not setup in 2 boxes.   

Hope that helps!

It's a five-frame nuc of Italians.  Yes, just one box high.

Yes, very helpful -- thank you!

[van from Arkansas]

FatherMichael, when you texted cool nights does that mean in the upper forties or low fifties?  Texas is getting hammered with unusual heavy rains... Wish you sunshine 🌞.
Blessings

[FatherMichael]

Hi, Van,

Nights under 70 well into June, they say.

Know about the rain in Arkansas -- children and grandchildren in Conway!

[Nock]

I?d think you would be fine. We have had a lot of low to mid 40?s here past couple weeks.

[FatherMichael]

Thanks, Nock.

[FatherMichael]

Thanks, Nock.

[Donovan J]

This is the coolest spring we've had in 10 years with nice rains, promising good crops.  I've wanted it to stay cool to hold off the Mesquite flow but now am worried about introducing a nucleus from San Antonio this weekend.  We're looking at cool nights well into June -- very unusual for West Texas.

Have a small bottom board entrance (3/8 x 4") on the 8-frame deep body brood chamber with 1" cedar walls and a 2" blanket box on top filled with pine pet bedding.  Plan to give them a cup of sugar on parchment paper on top of the frames.

The hive has a sunny exposure on the South side.

What else can I do to keep them warm?

The bees will usually keep themselves warm by moving their wing muscles and clustering when it gets cold. They should do fine.

[FatherMichael]

Yes, Xerox, amazing creations, eh?

[Donovan J]

Yes, Xerox, amazing creations, eh?

Absolutely amazing creatures!