In message <002c01c371fe$d6c56b40$5b85bc3e@oemcomputer>, Christine Gray <[log in to unmask]> writes >We could adapt for the UK climate - and perhaps >more of us could start to make and over-winter nucs for sale to new >beekeepers in spring. Quite a few of us do this in the UK. Old queens can be kept on to replace in next years' nucs, new queens even on 1 frame of brood and copious stores can give 4 supers if nurtured properly (a colleague - not me). I usually use 6-frames (half-size National using 9mm ply or tall 14" sq frame hive, designed to fit over a standard National for warmth) with a stronger brood than this going into the autumn. Swarming can be a problem with early build up in spring. Seasons seem to be changing enough to have to get out a couple of weeks earlier to gauge their needs. -- James Kilty :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::