A bee nuc (short for nucleus colony or nucleus hive) is a small, starter colony of honey bees..
Change to Our honey bee nucs contain a mated queen who has already begun laying eggs, worker bees, and brood in various stages of development (eggs, larvae, and pupae). Additionally, they include 4-5 drawn-out deep frames filled with brood, honey, and pollen to support the colony's growth and health. Our 4-frame nucs also come with our Pro Feeder for easy access to nutrition..
Italian, Russian, and VSH bee nucs are available for maximum variety, allowing you to choose the perfect nucleus colony for your beekeeping goals.
Expediting the Growth of Your Colony with a Bee Nuc
Because our honey bee nucs already contain a cohesive nucleus colony, they can jumpstart the growth of your beekeeping operations. These bee nucs offer more advantages than package bees, which require time to accept and establish a new queen.
With our bee nucs, you can start growing your apiary and producing honey much faster. The presence of larvae and eggs in our frame nucs also ensures that your hive will continue developing and expanding, providing a strong foundation for your beekeeping endeavors.
Starting a New Colony with Honey Bees from Mann Lake
Starting new hives and raising bees can be a daunting task. But with a live bee nucleus colony from Mann Lake, it's easier than ever to establish a thriving hive.
Our nucleus colonies have bees already acclimated to working together, increasing the likelihood of a productive and successful bee hive. This cohesion is a key advantage of using our nucs to kickstart your beekeeping journey.
Equip Your Apiary for Beekeeping Season
Whether you are looking to boost honey production, rear queens, or simply enjoy the art of beekeeping, our honey bees for sale offer a practical and efficient solution. Watch the honey bees in your bee yard thrive with our carefully curated bee nucs.
By choosing our high-quality nucleus colonies, you're setting yourself up for success in the beekeeping community. Our bee nucs provide a strong start for new beekeepers and a reliable way for experienced apiarists to expand their operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are bee nucs (nucleus colonies)?
Bee nucs, short for nucleus colonies or nucleus colonies, are small, functional starter hives that contain a laying queen bee, worker bees, larvae, and eggs. Unlike packages of bees, nucs come with established frames that include brood, honey, and pollen, making them ready to expand when transferred to a larger hive.
What is the difference between package bees and bee nucs?
The main difference is that bee nucs are already a cohesive colony with an accepted laying queen, while package bees are a loose group that must accept a new queen and establish themselves in a hive. Bee nucs grow faster because they already have active brood and food stores.
Where can I find more information about installing my bees?
View bee installation instructions.