Description

Nucleus Colonies:

Also known as a Starter Colony, this is an optimal choice for the region we live in. We find starting with a 5 frame Nucleus has many advantages over packages. The Brood and already drawn comb, as well as resources, reduce stress and increase chances of success for the colony to adapt when brought to it’s new home!

You will receive a hefty 5 frames. 3 Containing Brood, in all stages of development, and the remaining 2 with resources (Honey and Pollen), plenty bees and a well mated Queen.

After you place your order, we will contact you to schedule a date for pick up. Getting your bees in the evening is best for them, and you!

How to prepare: Set up the area you want to keep your bees. If you need help deciding, do some research on the regulations for your area. You can find this info for Florida at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website, under the Apiary Division. Set up a stand or something to keep your bees off the ground. You will need an 8 or 10 frame Deep Hive Body, 5 more assembled frames, a lid, and bottom board, to transfer your Nuc into. Have everything ready (assembled and painted) before you bring your bees home. Place them exactly where you want them to be on your hive stand, in the Nuc box. Wait at least 5 days (I know you want to transfer them now, but trust me, it’s better to wait) or longer. Watch them adjust to their new location, for a few minutes each day (it will be your new favorite thing to do, and it’s relaxing). You should see bees coming and going from the entrance. You may see them hovering around the entrance, that is reorientation. When it is time to transfer, get everything ready, suit up, light a smoker, give them some gentle smoke, take a deep breath, and carefully remove and place each frame in your equipment. Take your time! Enjoy it! We recommend placing the 5 occupied frames in the center(ish) and 2 empty frames on one side, 3 on the other. Close her up and congratulate yourself! They will make some noise, and reorient again, but should settle down and progress.

If there is a nectar dearth, they will need to be fed. Even if there is a flow, feed will assist them to build the empty comb.  A water source is a must. You can make one if there isn’t a natural one nearby. Just make sure there is something for the bees to land on so they don’t drown.