It is becomming quite in vogue to overwinter small nucleus hives atop strong, healthy established hives. I have followed the articles in ABJ written by Kirk Webster and last year had mixed success wintering 4-deep-frame nucs, two per brood chamber. The nucs were separated by a specially designed feeder which split the deep brood chamber into two distinct and separate sections. Now, I have seen nothing in any of my text books discussing this method. The first time I heard mention of overwintering small nucs was when I heard Kirk speak at a summer meeting of the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association. Up to that point I had always strived to have big hives with plenty of winter stores (at least 70 lbs in my climate) and large populations of health bees. I was somewhat skeptical that small nucleus hives would even be able to make it through the winter. However, many beekeepers are advocating fall nucs to have ready for the following spring. Most notably on this list has been David Eyre. As I already stated, last year I had mixed success with this strategy attempting to overwinter four nucs, succeeding with two. I have already made preparations to try again - signed up for more classes at the school of hard knocks. I have set up ten nucs as described above (4-frame nucs, two per brood box separated by the feeder) for this year's attempt. What I am pondering follows. I currently have a number of small hives which were in comb honey production this summer. Some of these hives are single medium brood chamber hives, some deep. All are quite strong after harvesting the Ross Round comb section supers. In years past I would combine these small hives with other hives to consolidate the bees for overwintering, usually on Labor Day weekend (this weekend). However, I am wondering if these single bodied hives might successfully overwinter atop established hives akin to the manner in which some beekeepers are overwintering nucs. Any thoughts? Aaron Morris - thinking ahead to next spring!