Not all beekeepers know what nucs are. These devices are required for obtaining and fertilizing young queens according to a simplified scheme. The design resembles a beehive in appearance. However, it has certain features. It is important to take into account that cores can be large or miniature in size. To use them, it is important for the beekeeper to have the appropriate skills.
What is a nucleus and what does it look like?
In beekeeping, a nucleus is a reduced hive of several frames or a small family that includes an infertile or fertilized queen. This term translates as "core".
Nuclei are used to hatch queens. They are built in such a way that a large family simply cannot fit there. The internal organization of the design resembles an ordinary family, but there are certain features.
There are quite a few bees in the nucleus, so such a colony is not able to provide itself with honey for the winter. In addition, individuals are characterized by increased vulnerability to attacks from other bees. However, the listed disadvantages are also considered a plus. A vulnerable position causes insects to develop much faster.
Depending on the size of the nest, the cores have different types. They come in large, medium and miniature. The buildings also differ in the materials used. Such structures are made from plywood, chipboard, and polystyrene foam.
In this case, the structures have several purposes:
- obtaining new queens;
- fertilization of the uterus;
- increase in the number of workers.
Varieties
There are different types of structures used in beekeeping. Depending on the dimensions, the following varieties are distinguished:
- Mininucleus - this polystyrene foam structure is usually made with 6 frames. They can be purchased in specialized stores or made with your own hands.
- Micronucleus - hives of this type have double bottoms and are used to fly around the queens. The structure itself includes 4 uterine sites with small frames. Their dimensions do not exceed 74 millimeters.
- Multi-place nuc – used to contain infertile frames. The dimensions of its frames are half the size of standard ones.
It is fenced with sides, which are equipped with entrance holes. This prevents bees from moving from one part of the structure to another.
Selection rules
To choose the right design, you need to take into account a number of features.
Size and number of frames
The beekeeper chooses the appropriate model of the nucleus himself. To do this, it is worth studying the relevant drawings. Often Dadan, which includes 12 frames, is divided into 6 buildings. However, the best option is a single design that accommodates 3 frames.
An economical solution is considered to be a core with a body divided into 4 compartments.
Moreover, each of them includes 3 small frames measuring 100x110 millimeters.
There are also corner models. Frames are not used in such micronuclei. In this case, the walls are made with bevels, and foundation is placed in the grooves. In a single micronucleus, a feeder is placed on top, and the entrance is equipped with a regulator. Often corner structures are made of polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam. You can also find wooden structures.
Amateur beekeepers often use Rochefus nucs. The structure includes a wooden body that has a bottom. In this case, solid partitions divide the internal space into fragments - usually 4.
At the bottom of each compartment there is a slot with a grill. Through it, the bees enter the main colony, but do not come into contact with the queen. The top of the compartment is covered with a lid or feeder. The structure also includes an individual entrance. To make the structure recognizable to bees, its walls need to be painted in 4 different shades.
According to climate characteristics
When choosing a nucleus for bees, you should definitely take into account the climate of the region. In the southern regions, you only need to choose one frame of brood and 2 frames of food. The amount of food should be at least 2 kilograms. In the north and in the center it is worth using 2 frames with brood and food.
By material
Depending on the material of manufacture, cores are divided into the following types:
- Made from plywood or chipboard. Such structures usually have a square or rectangular shape. At the same time, plywood hives should be no more than 60 centimeters in length, and 45 in height. Each side of the structure must be equipped with a special entrance. With its help it will be possible to separate families.
- Made from expanded polystyrene or polystyrene. This type of nucs is ideal for wintering. From such materials you can get a warm hive in which the bees will not freeze even in severe frost. The advantages of such structures are considered to be a high degree of strength and resistance to rotting. In addition, these materials do not develop cracks.
By manufacturer
Today, cores from a variety of manufacturers are on sale. The most famous of them include ARIKENT, “Uleytop”, HAPPYBEES.
DIY making
The easiest way to make nucs for bees is from polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam. However, wood can also be used. If you have no experience, it is recommended to prepare drawings. It is important to choose the right size of the structure. For example, the standard dimensions of a micronucleus are 175x76x298 millimeters. The full frame construction made of polyurethane foam has dimensions of 315x405x600 millimeters.
To get a high-quality core, you need to do the following:
- Apply markings according to the drawing.
- Make a body from the cut out elements.In this case, the fragments need to be glued together and reinforced with self-tapping screws.
- Separate the internal space with partitions. They should be attached to the side walls using self-tapping screws.
- Make fastenings for frames and feeders inside.
- Make a lid.
- Cut a tap hole for each compartment. Their maximum size is 15 millimeters.
- Attach the legs.
- Paint the body.
The nucleus is a fairly important device that performs a number of functions. It is used to breed a new queen or increase the number of worker bees. In this case, the product can be bought ready-made or made with your own hands.
