New Beek here, and I just installed my very first 4 frame nuc into my flow hive. I am located in Houston Texas, and am wondering what are the reasons that I would add a reducer to the opening of my hive (other than robbing). And should I add a reducer for a period of time after I have added my nuc? they seem to be doing well, I put them in on Friday and 4 days later, there seems to be good activity around the hive… I just don’t want to make a rookie mistake right out the gate.
Also, how do I add syrup to the feeder?
I’m from up here in Washington State. But bees are bees… From your pix’s it looks like your bees are off to a great start.
As for the entrance reducer. Here are some of my varied reducers. My actual Flow-hive is in its second season, very healthy n lots of inhabitance (defense). I don’t currently need a entrance reducer. But my four new Nuc’s I have varied styles but still don’t see evidence of Robbing … It’s a bit chilly – rainy Spring up here n we have a lot of bloom so guessing not much push for the “Robbing-Factor”. I’d check with several local beekeeper … So you have some real local knowledge of weather the region is in a nectar dearth or flower festive celebration with plenty to dine on !!
Now, how to refill that internal frame feeder. I don’t use them because they are too small n need refilled every few days n i don’t like interrupting the new colony that much. I’m not family with that style. Maybe Dawn or other U.S. Beekeepers have input n/or experience with the frame type feeder.
I personal use either purchased top-Feeder ( See photo)
I think I would reduce the entrance to at least half or even a third until the population builds. You’re worried about making a rookie mistake. I’m constantly making mistakes after nearly 30 years.
Even my big hive only have a half entrance all the time. I like a busy entrance but not clogged. Gives the guard bees a good chance with robbers and beetles. In winter mine go down to a quarter entrance.
