What is a nucleus: what is needed in beekeeping, drawings and dimensions, how to do it yourself

Not all beekeepers know what nuclei are. These devices are required to obtain and fertilize young queens according to a simplified scheme. The design resembles a beehive in appearance. However, it has certain features. It is important to bear in mind that cores can be large and 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 beehive for several frames or a small family that includes an infertile or fertilized queen. This term translates as "core".

Nucleuses are used to hatch queens. They are built in such a way that a large family simply does not fit there. The internal organization in the design resembles an ordinary family, however, there are certain features.

There are quite a few bees in the nucleus, because such a colony is not able to provide itself with honey for the winter. In addition, individuals are characterized by increased vulnerability to attacks by other bees. However, the listed disadvantages are also considered a plus. Vulnerable position causes insects to develop much faster.

Depending on the size of the nest, the nuclei have different types. They are large, medium and miniature. The buildings also differ in the materials used. Such structures are made of plywood, chipboard, polystyrene foam.

At the same time, the structures have several purposes:

• getting new queens;
• fertilization of queens;
• increase in the number of workers.

Varieties

In beekeeping, different types of structures are used. Depending on the dimensions, the following varieties are distinguished:

• Mininucleus - This styrofoam construction is usually made into 6 frames. You can buy them in specialized stores or make your own.
• Micronucleus - hives of this type have double bottoms and are used to fly around queens. The structure itself includes 4 uterine places with small frames. Their dimensions do not exceed 74 millimeters.
• Multiple nucleus - used to contain infertile frames. The size of its frames is half the size of the standard.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the 12-seat core hive.

It is fenced with sides, which are equipped with entrance holes. This prevents the 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 a suitable model of the nucleus himself. To do this, it is worth studying the corresponding drawings. Often Dadan, which includes 12 frames, is divided into 6 buildings. However, the best option is considered a single design that accommodates 3 frames.

An economical solution is considered to be a core with a body divided into 4 compartments.

At the same time, 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 a notch is equipped with a regulator. Often, corner structures are made of expanded polystyrene, polyurethane foam or polystyrene. You can also find wooden structures.

Amateur beekeepers often use Rochefus nuclei. The structure includes a wooden case, which has a bottom. At the same time, blind partitions divide the internal space into fragments - as a rule, 4.

The bottom of each compartment has a slot with a grill. Through it, the bees enter the main family, but do not come into contact with the queen. On top of the compartment closes the lid or feeder. The building also includes an individual notch. To make the design recognizable to bees, its walls need to be painted in 4 different shades.

According to climate features

When choosing a nucleus for bees, you should definitely take into account the climate of the region. In the southern areas, you need to choose only one frame of brood and 2 frames with 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 2 with food.

Based on material

Depending on the material of manufacture, the cores are divided into the following varieties:

• 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. It will help to separate families.
• From Styrofoam or Styrofoam. This type of nucleus 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 a high degree of strength and resistance to decay. In addition, these materials do not crack.

By manufacturer

Today, cores from various manufacturers are on sale. The most famous of them include ARIKENT, Uleytop, HAPPYBEES.

Handmade

The easiest way to make bee cores is from polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam. However, wood is also allowed.In the absence of experience, it is recommended to prepare drawings. In this case, it is important to choose the right size of the structure. For example, the standard dimensions of a micronucleus are 175x76x298 millimeters. Full frame structure made of polyurethane foam measures 315x405x600 millimeters.

To get a quality nucleus, you need to do the following:

• Mark up according to the drawing.
• Make a body out of the cut out elements. In this case, the fragments need to be glued and reinforced with self-tapping screws.
• Separate the interior space with partitions. They should be attached to the side walls with self-tapping screws.
• Inside make mounts for frames and feeders.
• Make a lid.
• For each compartment, cut tapholes. Their maximum size is 15 millimeters.
• Fix legs.
• Paint the hull.

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. At the same time, the product can be bought ready-made or made by hand.

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