Your nucleus will arrive in a ventilated poly/correx nuc. You should prepare in advance of delivery to ensure you are able to give the nucleus the best start possible.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER NUCLEUS COLONIES
HOW TO LOOK AFTER BEES
1. BE PREPARED
Before you receive your nucleus colony, ensure you have everything you need to start beekeeping. This includes standard national beehive with DN4 frames/foundation, beesuit, smoker, gloves, hive tool and hive stand.
You should also be ready to feed your nucleus colony with 1:1 sugar syrup.
3. TRANSFER TO HIVE
Remove nuc from stand and replace with beehive, filled with frames and foundation (brood box only). The bees will naturally gravitate towards the new beehive as that's where they have orientated to.
Fill all gaps within the brood box with DN4 frames and foundation and replace roof.
4. START FEEDING
In the UK, it is best practise to feed nucleus colonies once they are in the hive. Set up a feeder and feed nucleus with 1:1 sugar syrup to assist the bees in drawing out the frames and turning them into honeycomb.
Stop feeding when the bees are covering 80% of the frames in the beehive.
5. WEEKLY INSPECTIONS
Once the bees are in the beehive, you can start weekly inspections. Inspect the bees every 7 days and ensure they have sufficient space to grow.
Check to see if the queen is laying eggs and there is brood in all stages. Keep an eye out for swarm cells and ensure there is enough stores.