Keeping bees healthy is a tough job, and it takes decades to get good at. When starting to keep bees , the learning curve is steep for those who try to learn the trade. It is daunting to grasp the knowledge expounded by those only a few years ahead of you.
You can read all the beginner beekeeping books , but starting off on the right foot will help you the most. Buying a nucleus hive or package bees can make all the difference in being successful in your first year as a new beekeeper.
Choosing between package bees and nucleus hives can be critical for beekeeping success. Understand their differences to make informed decisions.
Nucleus hives provide a head start, while package bees require more effort. Compare their benefits to find the right fit for you.
Nucleus hives offer faster colony establishment, while package bees provide flexibility. Understand their advantages and disadvantages to choose the best option.
Table of Contents
What Is A Nuc/ Newk / Nuwk / Nook / Nucleus Hive Advantages Of A Nucleus Hive Disadvantages Of A Nucleus Hive What Is A Package Of Bees/Package Bees? Advantages Of Package Bees Key Differences Between Packages and Nucleus Hives Choosing the Right Option for Your Beekeeping Experience Our Take On It All Swarms Prepare And Packages Don't Without A Mated Queen
What Is A Nuc/ Newk / Nuwk / Nook / Nucleus Hive
Beekeepers shorten the term nucleus to ‘nuc’. It is pronounced like a Barnes and Noble E-reader or as the nuc (nuke) in “nuclear”. Both pronunciations are common enough. They are accepted into the long list of beekeeping jargon.
A nucleus hive , also known as a nucleus colony, is a miniature full-size hive. It has all the parts that a colony of bees needs to grow into a fully functioning beehive that is able to sustain itself indefinitely.
The nucleus hive will come with a mated queen who is actively laying eggs, 4-5 frames with a fully developed honeycomb, around 10,000 adult bees, enough honey to survive transportation to the new beekeeper’s yard, and lots of bee eggs that will hatch in the next several weeks.
The nucleus hive is one of the more popular ways for beginner beekeepers to start their new colony of bees in their own backyard. If starting your first colony, make sure you put your hives in the right location.
Advantages Of A Nucleus Hive
- Everything a colony needs to quickly increase its population.
Contains 4-5 nuc frames of drawn out comb.
Contains lots of pollen and capped honey, ready to be used for raising brood.
Often sold in cardboard, pro nuc , or wood box that can be used again.
High probability of success during 1st year of the colony.
Worker bees and queen know each other and are already working together.
Easy to install compared to packages (watch our how to install a nucleus hive video).
Typically come from local sources, which means queens are better acclimated.
Often purchased straight from the beekeeper , creating a sense of accountability.
Nucs have every generation of brood already, eggs, larvae, capped brood, foragers, etc…
Disadvantages Of A Nucleus Hive
- Not always available and usually require beekeeping contacts to find them.
Often available later in the spring than package bees are.
State laws may prevent transport across state lines.
More expensive than packages.
Beekeeper may need to exchange boxes, frames, and foundations with the seller, especially when dealing with a frame nuc.
Often only sold in deep boxes with deep frames; medium frames nucs are much less common.
Comb may contain pesticides and fungicides you will transfer to your new hive.
The comb that comes in a nucleus hive may harbor diseases.
Low-quality beekeepers may sell you their broken or old equipment.
It is difficult to find nucs designed for top-bar hives.
What Is A Package Of Bees/Package Bees?
A package of bees is much different than a nucleus hive both visually and genetically. The package of bees is manufactured by beekeeper supply companies in volume and the adult bees in the package can be combined from half a dozen different colonies and the queen is unrelated to any of the worker bees in the package as well. She is taken from a miniature mating colony and placed in the package.
A package of bees is typically a wooden or plastic screened box with “loose” honeybees moving around inside the screen. There are typically between 8,000 and 12,000 adult bees in the package. In addition to the adult bees, there is a single mated queen that is in her own caged queen to temporarily protect her from the adult bees during transport and introduction into the new beehive.
The package also includes guard bees, which play a crucial role in protecting the colony. There is not any comb, eggs, or larva in a package of bees.
Likewise, packages have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages Of Package Bees
- Available across the United States.
Installation window is flexible while bees are in screened box.
Cheapest way to buy bees.
Can receive further discounts when buying a large volume of bees.
Brand new queen , only weeks old, are sold with packages, ensuring a fresh start with healthy bees.
Does not come with any honeycomb, so diseases are not spread.
Most traditional way to start a hive, so advice is available on tips and tricks.
The easiest way to buy bees for a top-bar hive.
Key Differences Between Packages and Nucleus Hives
When it comes to starting a new hive, beekeepers have two primary options: Package of Bees or Nucleus Hives (nucs). While both options can be effective, there are key differences between them that can impact the success of your beekeeping endeavors.
Colony Establishment : A package is essentially a box of bees that includes a mated queen and approximately 3 pounds of worker bees.
The bees are introduced into an empty hive, and the queen is placed in a queen cage to protect her from the worker bees during the initial introduction.
In contrast, a nuc is a small, established colony that already contains a laying queen, worker bees, and brood (immature bees). Nucs typically come with 3-5 frames of bees and are placed directly into a full-size hive, giving them a head start.
Growth and Development : Packages require more time and effort to establish a strong colony. The bees need to build comb, store food, and raise brood before the colony can grow and thrive.
On the other hand, nucs have a significant advantage in growth and development. With an established colony and a laying queen, nucs can grow and produce honey more quickly, making them a more efficient option for starting a new hive.
Queen Quality : The quality of the queen is crucial for the success of a hive. Package queens are often mass-produced and may not be as high-quality as those found in nucs.
Nuc queens are typically raised in a more natural environment and are better suited to the local climate and forage, which can lead to healthier and more productive colonies.
Cost and Availability : Packages are generally less expensive than nucs and are more widely available.
However, the cost of a nuc can be justified by the head start it provides in terms of growth and development. Investing in a nuc can lead to a more robust and productive hive in the long run.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Beekeeping Experience
When deciding between a package and a nuc, it’s essential to consider your beekeeping experience and goals.
New Beekeepers : For new beekeepers, a nuc is often the better option. Nucs provide a more established colony and a laying queen, which can help reduce the risk of disease and pests. Additionally, nucs are less likely to abscond ( leave the hive ) than packages, making them a more reliable choice for those just starting out.
Experienced Beekeepers : Experienced beekeepers may prefer packages, as they offer more flexibility and control over the colony. Packages can be used to establish a new hive or to requeen an existing colony, providing seasoned beekeepers with the opportunity to customize their beekeeping approach.
Local Climate and Forage : Beekeepers in areas with a short growing season or limited forage may find nucs to be a better fit. Nucs are better suited to these conditions, as they have a head start on growth and development, allowing them to make the most of the available resources.
Budget : Beekeepers on a budget may lean towards packages, as they are generally less expensive than nucs. However, it’s important to weigh the initial cost against the potential benefits of a nuc, such as faster growth and higher productivity.
Ultimately, the decision between a package and a nuc depends on your individual circumstances and goals. By considering the key differences between these options, you can make an informed decision and set yourself up for success in your beekeeping endeavors.
Our Take On It All
Packages are trying to be a swarm, which is a group of honey bees looking for a new place to live in. Swarming bees are preparing to build a comb in a new home. The bees in a package aren’t prepared to build new wax and a home-like a swarm. This is why packages struggle to succeed. They just aren’t prepared well.
It's like hearing a tornado coming in a week and being able to prepare versus a tornado popping up and destroying your home right now. If you know you’ll need to build a new home, preparing goes a long way in succeeding.
Swarms Prepare And Packages Don't Without A Mated Queen
That being said, packages are easy to buy. This is why they are so popular. Because packages are easy to buy, beekeepers take a risk with bees that may not survive, rather than not getting bees at all, which can impact the establishment of healthy hives.
If possible, buy nucleus hives if you can. They’re better than packages in almost all scenarios. But remember, nucs aren’t better than packages if they are not available. In the right hands, packages can surpass nucs in population during the first year. Still, that doesn’t negate the negatives that come with a package.
Happy Beekeeping
Adam Hickman
Adam Hickman owns Foxhound Bee Company and is a certified EAS Master Beekeeper. Before ever selling a box through Foxhound Bee Company, Adam wrote beekeeping blogs for education. Adam regularly teaches beekeeping classes through Foxhound Bee Co and also through his local beekeeping club.
