In message <00e701c3719d$2ef94c80$6578bc3e@oemcomputer>, Christine Gray <[log in to unmask]> writes >So if I was experimenting, I >would start with 5 or 6 frame nucs on very tall combs (Eastern Europeans >have used combs 12 inches wide by 14 inches deep), after calculaing how much >fuel the nuc is going to need and checking that the 60-80 pounds needed can >be accomodated above the early winter cluster. My best performing hives have 14"sq frames. A 11 frame box often goes into the winter with more than 90lb honey and pollen and surges in the spring and *can* give a good 50lb surplus on the spring flow. A 6-frame nuc might hold 40lb if I was lucky but it is not necessary, less stores and more bees is better. But they do well on their own, isolated from other hives. They are a bit heavy to stack on top of a full sized colony for warmth. -- James Kilty :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::