This five-frame nucleus hive or “nuc” consists of a swarm caught in Sheffield. I kept the nuc in case I had an emergency need for another queen. Many beekeepers keep nucs over the winter, but it will be the first time I have tried. The nuc’s home base has been a SE-facing spot in my garden. When the temperature really drops, I will put a screen over the entrance and move the nuc into the garage. On days when it’s warm, I’ll fly the bees, replacing the nuc in the same spot so the bees remain oriented and can safely take their cleansing flights.
The nuc in November
The nuc was filled to the brim with honey when the weather turned cold. I stored extra frames of honey in the freezer to feed this colony when needed.
