Kurt has been very patient and helpful in keeping us updated on when the Russian nucs will be arriving. I understand it will be next weekend (most likely). Thank you Kurt.
Here is my question. Since we are going to be kind of late in the spring when we install the nucs, will we need to feed them and if so how long? I need to make arrangements to make enough syrup.
Feeding the Nucs
Sprayburn,
You may find varied answers on feeding.
I would plan on feeding, put some syrup in the feeders and see if they take it. If they do I would feed them to help draw out comb. Feed until they start back filling the brood chamber which would restrict the area for the queen to lay eggs.
"need to make arrangements to make enough syrup"
I make syrup a gallon at a time in plastic gallon jugs.
Put 5 pounds of sugar in the jug and add hot water from the faucet, shake, top off with more hot water to about an inch from the top of the jug and shake again. My water from the faucet is hot enough to dissolve the sugar. Let it cool for 30 minutes and feed.
Cut the top off a 2 liter soda bottle and use it as a funnel to put the sugar in the gallon jug.
Hope this helps.
Ski
You may find varied answers on feeding.
I would plan on feeding, put some syrup in the feeders and see if they take it. If they do I would feed them to help draw out comb. Feed until they start back filling the brood chamber which would restrict the area for the queen to lay eggs.
"need to make arrangements to make enough syrup"
I make syrup a gallon at a time in plastic gallon jugs.
Put 5 pounds of sugar in the jug and add hot water from the faucet, shake, top off with more hot water to about an inch from the top of the jug and shake again. My water from the faucet is hot enough to dissolve the sugar. Let it cool for 30 minutes and feed.
Cut the top off a 2 liter soda bottle and use it as a funnel to put the sugar in the gallon jug.
Hope this helps.
Ski
feeding the nucs
Thanks for the info Ski. I really appreciate it. Using the comb and conditions of the brood box seems simple now that you told me. 
As for how to make the syrup, I had that down, but was looking at how much sugar to buy for now. I can go with 5 pound, 10 pound or 50 pounds at a time. The 50 pound bag is the lowest cost per pound (0.37/pound).
Thanks again.
As for how to make the syrup, I had that down, but was looking at how much sugar to buy for now. I can go with 5 pound, 10 pound or 50 pounds at a time. The 50 pound bag is the lowest cost per pound (0.37/pound).
Thanks again.
sprayburn
I am not aware of how many hives you have or will have.
I would buy the 50 pound if you have a dry place to store it.
The 5 & 10 are too small unless you buy multiples.
If you don't use it now you will be using it during the summer dearth. I sure hope we get a fall flow this year.
A lot would depend on the flow and what they have to forage but I think you can put 50 pounds or more of sugar into one nuc between now and winter especially if you are starting the nuc now.
Ski
I am not aware of how many hives you have or will have.
I would buy the 50 pound if you have a dry place to store it.
The 5 & 10 are too small unless you buy multiples.
If you don't use it now you will be using it during the summer dearth. I sure hope we get a fall flow this year.
A lot would depend on the flow and what they have to forage but I think you can put 50 pounds or more of sugar into one nuc between now and winter especially if you are starting the nuc now.
Ski