> It is absolutely possible to make nucs from colonies, even several times, without diminishing the harvest at all.
> I would like to see a discussion on this premise here. 

Hi all
First of all, my statement is based on actual experience of many years. I have kept bees since 1974 and have participated in dozens of operations and management styles. But if you don't believe me, try this:


In April, various combinations of packages and/or nuclei were removed from colonies to determine the biological and economic impact of package and/or nucleus production on these colonies. All colonies used for bee production yielded greater economic returns than the control colonies from which no packages or nuclei were removed. 

In addition, the colonies used for package and/or nucleus production did not differ significantly from the control colonies by the end of the season in nearly all of the biological characteristics monitored. The results indicate that both package and nucleus production is feasible in the Lower Fraser Valley area of BC, and would provide local beekeepers with additional income.  

By 11 August, the colonies from which packages and/or nuclei were removed did not differ significantly from the control colonies in almost all of the biological characteristics. This is a remarkable result considering the amount of brood and workers removed in April. Changes in age specific division of labor following package shaking or nucleus removal may be one mechanism responsible for this "rebound effect" (Winston & Mitchell, 1986; Winston et aL, 1985). 


Punnett, E. N., & Winston, M. L. (1989). A comparison of package and nucleus production from honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies. Apidologie, 20(6), 465-472.

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