If you are a new beekeeper, we suggest getting a nuc instead of a package. They are a stronger start and easier for the new keeper.
Here is why:
- Nucs are already established colonies. This means that they have a queen bee that is already laying eggs, and they have a population of worker bees that are already foraging for food. This gives Nucs a head start over package bees, which are just a bunch of individual bees that have been shipped to you in a box.
- Nucs come with drawn out comb. This means that the bees have already started to build their honeycomb, which saves you the time and effort of having to do it yourself.
- Nucs are less likely to be rejected by the hive. This is because the bees in a nuc are already familiar with each other, and they are already used to living together. Package bees, on the other hand, are a bunch of strangers that have been thrown together, and they are more likely to fight and reject the queen.
A couple of considerations:
- Nucs are more expensive than package bees. This is because they are more established and they come with drawn comb, and they come with frames.
- Nucs are not always available. This is because they are more popular than package bees, and they tend to sell out quickly.
Overall, the advantages of buying a nuc of bees outweigh the disadvantages.
Here are some additional tips for buying a nuc of bees:
- Buy from a reputable source. Make sure that the nuc you buy comes from a reputable beekeeper who has a good track record.
- Inspect the nuc before you buy it. Make sure that the bees are healthy and that the queen is laying eggs.
- Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the beekeeper questions about the nuc.
