Hello. I have a nuc question. Please mail me your response (I've set the
reply-to header to my address, so just hitting "r" or "R" should do it)
I'll summarize answers for the list.
 
    I'm mating queens. I use single nuc boxes and boxes divided in two. The
matings I get in the single boxes are about 80%, but the divided boxes are about
33%.  I'm using masonite to divide the boxes, and there is a large "buffer
area" between the two masonite dividers (a medium divided into three
compartments with the nucs on the outside compartments.) There are small
gaps between the masonite and the hive rabbet. Very small. Also, I use flat
cypress tops that often do not stay flat (they warp a little).
    Is the virgin or queen crossing over into the other nuc via the uneven
top or through the gaps from the masonite?
    Also, the entrance holes I have are very small, 5/8" or about 1 cm.
These are almost tunnel like. Should they be bigger, and deeper or does
this not matter.
 
   Tell me what you think please.
 
I want to use the divided nucs since if they work, I'll be getting twice as
many queens mated in the same space.
 
thanks,
Adam
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Adam Finkelstein
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