How long can you have a test frame out of the donor hive?

[buchaness]

it is something I haven't read or seen a post up to now. so
A how long can you keep a frame of just eggs out of a hive on an average Scottish day
B how long can you keep a frame of eggs and brood out under similar circumstances
I had a 3 mile drive to put a test frame with just eggs into the hive I wanted it, so did it sharpish and in an insulated box

[gavin]

Folk have sent eggs in the post with no ill effects, so as long as you don't bake the frame in the sun it should be fine.

I've had frames of brood out overnight on occasion (using it for demos, that sort of thing) and I *think* that as long as it is neither dried nor chilled too much it should be fine.

Last spring I was kindly given a chunk of comb with very young brood by Greengumbo (in deepest Aberdeenshire) and drove back to Longforgan with it wrapped in damp paper towel and balanced on my knee for (some) warmth. When grafted it gave what was probably the most successful percentage take of the year.

[buchaness]

thats great, thanks a lot

[Poly Hive]

Using a damp towel is a useful trick. I have taken frames over 100 miles that way.

PH

[buchaness]

thanks polyhive