Beekeepers have two options when deciding to order live bees – packages or nucleus hives. If you’re a beginner beekeeper you probably don’t know why you should get one or the other. Here we will explain what a nucleus hive is, what the benefits are, and how you can pre-order yours today!
What is a Nucleus Hive?
A nucleus hive, also referred to as a ‘nuc’ (pronounced as “nuke”), is a miniature hive created for easy installation into a hive box. The nuc has everything needed for the queen and bees to grow into a productive colony.
A common nucleus hive setup will include 4 to 5 frames: a mated queen who has already filled one to two frames with brood, and roughly 10,000 bees working alongside the queen that have drawn out 2 to 3 frames of comb. They have been given time to store enough food serves to sustain them during transportation. The bee eggs will hatch in the weeks following installation.
Each beekeeper may configure their nucleus hives with slight differences.
Why start with a Nucleus Hive?
Starting with a nucleus hive means easy installation and quicker population growth. Therefore, nucleus hives are a great way for beginner beekeepers to acquire bees.
What are the benefits?
- Colony is starting with everything it needs for quick population growth.
- Includes 2-3 frames with comb already drawn out.
- Contains readily available pollen and capped honey for raising brood.
- The waxed cardboard boxes can be reused for catching swarms.
- Greater chance for successful establishment in 1st year.
- The queen and the bees are already acclimated to each other, and working together.
- Easy installation compared to packages.
- Nucs have bees of all ages and brood in every stage of development, helping make a smooth transition into their new home.
What do We Offer?
We have developed a long-standing partnership with local beekeepers who have provided our customers with quality queens, building strong hives.
Fred Selby is a local beekeeper who offers Italian and Carniolan bees. Fred is a second generation beekeeper, and professionally operates his apiary near Brownsville, Oregon.
Have further questions? Please call us at 541-929-3524 or email bees@shonnards.com