Question 1

Picking up NUK this spring (frame swap). Want to close off hive to ensure queen/bees settle in. How many do I need for couple weeks till I open hive?

Accepted Answer

Be hard to answer not knowing how big your nuc is or where your nuc is going to live-Alaska or Florida. But if 4-5 frame nuc and somewhere in the middle where I am (Virginia) my answer would be one patty would be ample and I hope you are feeding sugar syrup. I have never had a problem getting a queen or bees to "settle in" so I have never "closed off" a hive or nuc for that purpose. They are also going to need plenty of ventilation if you do close up the nuc/hive. My advice would be to just get them to your place (I just clicked on your screen name and see you are in NC). Close them up with ventilation for no more than 24 hrs they will reorient to their new home. Even if you lose a few foragers your queen will replace them in a day or two. Good luck.

Question 2

Would this be the best thing for feeding bees during the freezing winter months? If so, do I just put a pattie in the bottom of the hive?

Accepted Answer

apparantly placing the pattie at the bottom of the hive is not good as the bees dont like to leave the upper warm area to feed and the patties draw scavanger bugs from the door way,  as well as block air circulation and trap moisture promoting mold.     Best way is to get a 2 inch spacer box and put it between lid and box and set pattie direct on top of frames. Quickley! so as not to  chill brood. sorry bout the spelling

Question 3

Do you need to peel off the wrapper, either top or bottom or both?

Accepted Answer

Don’t peel off the paper. The bees tear off the paper as needed, the paper keeps the patty from drying out, and it also slows down hive beetles from laying eggs in the patty. I use half patty per week on new package hive until they stop taking it. Watch for hive beetle larvae and toss that patty if they started laying in it.

Question 4

How long can they be kept frozen?

Accepted Answer

I had some frozen over a year and the bees still devoured them fine

Brand	Mann Lake
Net Quantity	4533.7 Grams
Number of Items	1
Package Information	Bag
Item Weight	4.94 kg
UPC	714854193572
Global Trade Identification Number	00714854193572
Target Species	Dog
Item model number	FD357
Product Dimensions	31.12 x 26.67 x 7.62 cm; 4.94 kg
ASIN	B00B8L5UMS

Mann Lake FD357 Bee Pro Patties with Pro Health, 10-Pound

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