Nucleus of Bees – Overwintered Nucs for Spring 2027 – now taking orders for next spring

Description

The nucleus of bees (or nuc for short) refers to a small, starter colony of bees, typically consisting of a queen, workers, and brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae). Nucs are often used for expanding a bee colony, starting a new hive, or as a way to introduce a new queen to an established hive. We breed our own queens each year, setting up the nucs in Spring, and overwintering ready for a spring start. Nucs are available from mid March/April to beginning of June and we have both BS National and Langstroth (also suitable for Flow hives) available.

Our Queen’s are a mix of strain: Italian (Apis mellifera ligustica) and the Black British Bee (Apis Melifera Melifera). We are striving to keep more of the AMM strain going forward.

Italian Bees (Apis mellifera ligustica):

• Origins: Native to Italy, Italian bees are one of the most popular and widely used bee breeds in beekeeping due to their desirable traits.
• Characteristics:
  • Gentle Nature: They are known for their docile temperament, making them easier to handle and manage compared to other types of bees.
  • Productivity: Italian bees are known for their high honey production, and they tend to have a strong ability to forage.
  • Colour: They have a lighter, golden-yellow colour, making them easy to distinguish from other bee breeds.
  • Efficiency: Italian bees are efficient and tend to build strong colonies quickly, making them excellent for beekeepers looking to increase hive numbers or productivity.

Apis mellifera mellifera (Black British Bee):

• Origins: This bee is native to the United Kingdom and parts of Northern Europe, and is known for its darker, almost black appearance.
• Characteristics:
  • Hardiness: Black British bees are known for being more adaptable to the cooler, wetter climate of the UK, which makes them more resilient in harsh weather conditions.
  • Defensive Nature: Compared to Italian bees, the Black British bee can be more agitated on the frame, but this varies depending on the colony’s temperament and management.
  • Low Swarming Tendencies: These bees tend to swarm less frequently than other breeds, making them easier to manage in terms of colony stability.
  • Good foraging: Black bees are efficient foragers, and while they may not have the same level of honey production as Italian bees, they are still strong producers in the right conditions.

The mix of these two bee breeds can offer a combination of desirable traits:

• Hardiness & Adaptability: The hybrid colony may have the resilience and adaptability of the Black British bee, allowing it to thrive in colder or more variable climates.
• Gentle Nature & Productivity: With the inclusion of Italian bees, the colony may also inherit a calmer temperament and higher honey production, making the bees more manageable and productive for beekeepers.

Benefits of a Hybrid Colony:

• Stronger Survivability: The hybrid mix is often better suited for handling both harsh winters and periods of honey flow.
• Balanced Behaviour: With Italian bees’ calm demeanour and the Black British bees’ defense against disease and pests, the hybrid bees can be easier to work with while maintaining a good defense against external threats.
• Increased Honey Production: The mix may also lead to an efficient foraging behaviour, maximizing honey production while also making it easier to manage the hive.

In summary, the nucleus of bees with a queen that is a mix of Italian and Apis mellifera mellifera combines the strengths of both breeds, offering a well-rounded option for beekeepers looking for both productivity and hardiness. This hybrid colony can be both productive and resilient, making it ideal for a wide range of beekeeping environments.

Please choose either to transfer your bees to your own poly nuc on collection or to buy a travelling reusable nuc box. Available for collection ONLY in April from our Wisley apiary. They are overwintered nucs, with last year’s Queen and will have already been treated for varroa. The queen is marked and wing can be clipped for a small additional price (£5).  

What people say about our nucs:

Fantastically successful nuc you sold me! 80lb off two supers! Many thanks-  Ian F.

The nuc has built up really quickly, and are so calm and gentle, I could almost inspect without a bee suit, they’re so lovely! Jane D.

Brilliant black queen, so gentle and really productive. Thanks so much! Julie-Ann C.