Close up the hive

Close the hive using the correct procedure, which will depend on what kind of feeder you’re using. In most cases if you plan to feed a pollen patty, you will need to add a shim. (To prevent robbing, keep the plastic plug in the shim for this use.)

• If using a division board feeder, put the inner and outer covers on. If using pollen patty, set the shim (with the plastic plug closing the hole) on top of the box and then install the inner and outer covers.
• If using a pail-type feeder, check that the lid is tight. Turn it upside down outside of the hive to allow for a little syrup to flow out and the vacuum to form. Place it directly on the frames and surround it with an empty box. It can also be installed directly over the inner cover’s central hole. Make sure the notch in the rim of the inner cover is sealed with duct tape to prevent robbing. If feeding pollen patty, you do not need a shim if the pail feeder is directly on the frames. Just add the pollen patty on top of the frames. If using an inner cover with a pail feeder, you will need to add a shim (with plastic plug in place) to make room for the pollen patties.
• If using an Ultimate In-Hive Feeder, put the inner cover on (make sure the notch is covered with duct tape to prevent robbing) and set the feeder on the inner cover so that it doesn’t completely cover the central hole in the inner cover. Surround the feeder with an empty box. If also feeding a pollen patty, you will need to add a shim (with the plastic plug filling the hole) under the inner cover. In both cases, close the hive with the outer cover on top of the surrounding empty box.
• If using a hive top feeder, set it directly down on the top of the box, and cover with the telescoping cover. Don’t use an inner cover with a hive top feeder. If also feeding a pollen patty, add a shim (with the plastic plug in place over the hole) under the feeder.

Insert the entrance reducer with just the small notch open for the time being. The bees will quickly begin fanning at the entrance to signal to any stragglers where their new home is.

Don’t discard the mesh bag and the Pro Nuc box because they can be reused. You can use the nuc box all season long as a temporary holding space for frames during inspections, to catch and hold a swarm, or for making an emergency split. Store the extra frames you took out of the box to make room for the nuc indoors until you need them.

Installing a nuc is the first step to learning the core skill of beekeeping: handling frames of bees with smoothness and confidence. Don’t worry if, at first, you feel awkward and clumsy. No one is born knowing how to do this. Constant practice will improve your skills. And you have thousands of teachers in your hive to help you hone your technique.

Congratulations, you are now on your way to becoming a beekeeper.

Check out the video below for step-by-step visual instructions on installing a nuc colony: