Portable Double Nucs
Dec 20th, 2009 by Robo
I just finished building 20 double 5 frame nucs that can be disassembled for storage and/or transporting. I used polystyrene deeps as they can be knocked down and reassembled in about 1 minute. I built a simple bottom board out of 1/2″ plywood with 3 inch entrances on opposite sides.
The cover is also made out of 1/2″ plywood, and a coroplast divider separates the 2 colonies. The bottom board, hive body sides, and cover where all dadoed for the coroplast divider. I have long haul transportation in mind, so I wanted the coroplast supported on on four sides, and it also keeps the bottom board, hive body and cover all aligned. I also cut small vent holes in the bottom board in the back of each nuc. Small blocks where also added to the corners of the bottom board to allow for ventilation when the nucs are stacked for hauling.
The cover has screened vent/feeder holes for each nuc away from the entrance to reduce the chances of robbing. A ratchet strap is used to hold the whole thing together when moving. A sheet of coroplast is placed over the cover for protection when out in the field.
The last photo shows a stack of 17 knocked down double nucs (34 nucs total) with an assembled deep in front for comparison. Each double nuc weighs 12.5 pounds without frames.
Very nice work! Since nucs are used for different purpose’s, may I ask your intent(s)?
I built them to haul purchased nucs home. Now that I have them built, I may use them for overwintering nucs in the future by replacing the top with a 2″ foil backed insulation board.
You are always coming up with something new! I was looking into 5 frame nuc boxes for overwintering, as you had suggested, but now am looking more seriously at this new idea! Do you have a permanent top that you use for them… I would think those holes would provide too much ventilation. Also, as per your info on overwintering 5 frame nucs, are the holes in the bottom boards for moisture to drip out? When you use foil backed insulation, do you just cut it to fit and paint the exposed sides? Sorry for all the questions, but thanks for all the great ideas!
Do you have a permanent top that you use for them… I would think those holes would provide too much ventilation.
The holes shown are only open during transporting. When the weather is warm, a piece of coroplast sits on top, covers the holes and provides protection from the elements.
Also, as per your info on overwintering 5 frame nucs, are the holes in the bottom boards for moisture to drip out?
The intent of the holes was for additional ventilation during transporting. the entrance is only 3″ x 3/8″ and without the bees being able to fan from the exterior, air flow would be minimal. They would also be weep holes for water if used in the winter, but with a bottom entrance are not critical for this.
When you use foil backed insulation, do you just cut it to fit and paint the exposed sides?
I just cut it to size and place it on top with a telescopic cover over it. I tried covering the cut edges with foil tape, but it was just a lot of work and expense for no real benefit. The exposed edges of the insulation turn yellow and I’m sure will break down from UV eventually, but I’m going on 3 years with some of them.
Hi,
Just leave your top on and simply put your insulation board on top of your top. I see no need to take your top of to replace with your insulation board. You might want to consider increasing ventilation for the nucs for wintering. Just my opinion.