Well, In a moment of weakness, I just bought about 1200 baby nucs.
 
They are made so that four of different colours go (tight together and
facing different ways) on each common floor, and there is a common insulated
lid.
 
Each nuc is (guessing here) about an 8 inch cube and has some insulation
(1/2 inch styrofoam) on two walls and a canvas cover. A 2 1/2 cup feeder
is located in each as well as 3 tiny frames - most have one comb drawn or
partially drawn. There is a 3/8 inch closable entrance and a 3/4 inch
screened vent near the top.
 
I searched my little library and found I haven't got any real info on how to
stock them.  Then I realised this is exactly where my friends on BEE-L
can be of the most assistance.
 
Here's the situation:
 
We have 35 cells ripe today - later on in the day, 44 cells tomorrow later
on in the day and 20-36 due on Monday.  (I don't do the grafting and I
don't keep the records -  they came as a surprise - I thought we were
only getting 20 today and I have 20 larger nucs ready).
 
The questions:
""""""""""""""
Can I stock the nucs and introduce cells today - leaving them closed for
a day or two?  Temperatures are max 22 degrees Celcius (75 F or so) with
frosts the last few nights.
 
How best should I stock the nucs?  What's the best way to shake bees for
the nucs?  How many bees should I put in each nuc?
 
Any (FAST!) answers will be appreciated and please reply direct to me,
not the list and I will summarise - much as Adam did after getting help
with his nuc problem.
 
Thanks in advance!
 
Allen
 
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper                        VE6CFK
Rural Route One   Swalwell   Alberta   Canada  T0M 1Y0
Email:   [log in to unmask]    or   [log in to unmask]
Futures, Art & Honey:http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka