What is a Nuc?

A nucleus hive (nuc) is simply a miniature honeybee hive.  It has all the components of a full size hive including a laying queen, workers, brood (eggs, larva and capped brood), pollen, and honey.  The biggest benefit of a nuc is the fact that the bees are already working together to establish their colony/home. The queen has been accepted by the worker bees and she is laying eggs on drawn comb.  The workers are working!  The nuc colony gives you a jump start on getting your main hive set up to survive the next year.  Think of a nuc as a potted seedling that is ready to be transplanted.

• Spring nucs:
  • Typically consist of a box with 5 framesof drawn comb:
    • 3 frames of brood and young honeybees
    • 1 frame with pollen & honey
    • 1 frame that is empty
  • Are created in mid-late spring.
  • Should have a new queen (spring 2012).
  • Must have eggs, larva & capped brood in addition to workers & the queen.
  • Are ready to move immediately into a full hive body.
• Weather affects queen availability, which determines when spring nucs can be created.  Queens in northern Virginia are generally not available before May.  Your nuc may not be ready for pick-up until late May to mid-June.  If you CAN NOT WAIT until this time, order a package.
• Virginia state law requires nucs to be inspected for health within 6 months prior to sale.
• Spend time talking to the nuc supplier/seller.  Ask about…
  • Frames: Size (medium or deep), number of frames (typically 5), and is a frame exchange required?
  • Queen: Source (swarm, local queen, breeder, southern queen), does she have hygienic traits, and is she a 2012 queen?
  • Transport: Pick-up or delivery? Nuc box or your own equipment?
  •  Cost: (2011 prices ranged from $80-130; feel free to negotiate)

• The nuc is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY after you pick it up and pay!  Talk with your mentor if you need help.