Wooden Mating Nuc - Empty (No Frames)

This mating nuc has been designed for maximum efficiency and integrated use with standard Langstroth hives. The dimensions of the mating nuc are 245mm x 245mm x H 240mm. The wood frames with beeswax coated plastic foundation are sized to fit two rows in a special super to put on top of a standard Langstroth hive. This allows the hive bees to draw the mating nuc hive frames, so they are ready to go. The nurse bees you put into the mating nuc then won't have to use energy to draw the comb.  If the queen goes up into the special super and lays in the mating nuc frames it is a royal bonus!  Then you can put capped brood in your mating nuc and have newly emerged bees ready to take care of your virgin queen. You may also get some frames filled with pollen, nectar and honey making the nuc hive a true miniature. Then using the mating nuc super (one or even two) you possibly could overwinter an autumn queen in your wooden mating nuc.

Two sides of the mating nuc have polystyrene sandwiched between layers of wood, and a polystyrene panel is in the lid. This increases the insulation value, yet still has all the interior surfaces clean wood. Wood is what bees prefer and they won't chew it like they often do to polystyrene mating nucs.

If planning to overwinter a mated queen in the mating nuc, it might be prudent to block the bottom ventilation hole with polystyrene as well.

A purpose designed top feeder using the Ceracell patented bee-safe corner access system is available and recommended.  A top feeder gives the bees more room in the nuc itself and allows the beekeeper to replenish the feeder without disturbing the bees.

Please note: Frames are sold separately.