In short, you only feed double nucs during the summer when natural nectar is scarce. The goal is not routine nourishment but to strategically stimulate the colony to build out new wax comb. This is typically done with a 1:1 sugar syrup solution provided via an in-hive division board feeder.
The core principle of summer feeding is intervention, not routine. It's a tool used specifically to overcome a nectar dearth and encourage comb production, which must be carefully balanced against the significant risk of triggering a swarm.
When and Why to Feed in the Summer
Your decision to feed a double nuc during the summer should be based entirely on environmental conditions and the specific goals you have for that colony.
The Primary Trigger: A Nectar Dearth
A nectar dearth is a period when few nectar-producing plants are in bloom. During this time, a colony's development can stall.
Feeding sugar syrup mimics a natural nectar flow, providing the carbohydrates bees need to activate their wax glands and continue building the hive's infrastructure.
The Specific Goal: Drawing Out Comb
The primary reason to feed in summer is to encourage the bees to "draw out" comb on new frames of foundation.
Without the stimulus of an incoming food source (natural or artificial), bees are reluctant to expend the immense energy required to produce wax and build comb.
The Correct Feeding Method
How you feed is as important as when you feed. For a double nuc, the method must be contained and manageable to prevent problems.
Use a Division Board Feeder
A division board feeder is the ideal tool for this task. It's a plastic container shaped like a frame that fits directly inside the hive body.
This in-hive placement is critical. It minimizes the risk of attracting robber bees from other hives or pests like ants, which is a common problem with external feeders.
Use a 1:1 Sugar Syrup
A syrup made from one part sugar to one part water by volume is best for stimulating wax production and brood-rearing.
This ratio closely resembles natural nectar and is easily processed by the bees for immediate use, rather than for long-term storage.
Understanding the Trade-offs and Risks
Feeding is a powerful tool, but improper use can create significant problems, particularly in the confined space of a nuc.
The Danger of Encouraging Swarms
Feeding a colony when it doesn't need it can rapidly accelerate population growth.
In a small nuc box, this quickly leads to overcrowding—the number one trigger for swarming. You risk losing your queen and a significant portion of your bees.
Avoid Feeding During a Honey Flow
Never feed syrup when natural nectar is abundant. The bees will store the syrup alongside the nectar.
This contaminates any potential honey harvest and defeats the purpose of keeping bees for natural honey.
Balancing Colony Strength
As the reference material notes, a key part of nuc management is swarm prevention. If a nuc becomes too strong (often accelerated by feeding), you may need to "weaken" it.
This is done by removing a frame of capped brood and giving it to a weaker colony. This relieves population pressure and helps balance the strength across your apiary.
Making the Right Choice for Your Nuc
Your feeding strategy must adapt to your immediate goal for the colony.
- If your primary focus is rapid expansion: Feed 1:1 syrup with a division board feeder only during a nectar dearth to get new frames drawn out quickly.
- If your primary focus is maintenance: Do not feed if flowers are blooming and the bees are actively foraging. Let them work with natural resources.
- If your primary focus is swarm prevention: Stop all feeding immediately, ensure the colony has adequate space, and consider removing a frame of brood if they are becoming overcrowded.
Ultimately, successful double nuc management relies on observing your colonies and responding strategically to their needs.
Summary Table:
| Feeding Aspect | Key Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Stimulate wax comb production, not routine feeding |
| Main Trigger | Nectar dearth (lack of natural nectar sources) |
| When NOT to Feed | During a natural honey flow |
| Best Method | In-hive division board feeder |
| Ideal Feed | 1:1 sugar-to-water syrup |
| Key Risk | Overfeeding can trigger swarming |
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