Why to choose nucs over packages
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- When choosing between starting a hive with a nuc or package it is best to know the advantages and disadvantages of both. In my opinion there is a huge advantage to choose nucs over packages, especially for the beginner.
when I got my first hive, I made the mistake of trying to introduce a package of bees into a new hive with no resources and comb. THey started to make some comb, but then absconded after a month. Lesson learned. Start with a nuc with 3-5 frames of brood and resources, and let them fill up the hive with fresh brood and comb. I got 2 nucs last April and they have survived through this last winter, and now I have a good prospect of getting a honey crop this year,
I agree with the message entirely but suspect the reason that they left after a month was queen loss or some other issue (not unrelated to the fact that they started as a package)
Great informative video . I have enjoyed this season of all your information. It looked like you have had a fairly good season. Keep your video’s coming when possible.
Thanks will do!
That is well thought out information for the beginner, very detailed. I have spoken to a few US beekeepers who have said they don't get free replacement queens, which is unfortunate. In the UK the main market are nucs, but there are a few who offer packages. But the commercial beekeeper would have to provide nucs on either national frames, 14x12's, commercial or langstroth, this is where the beginner in the UK can make mistakes if they order the wrong frames. I know of people buying the Flow hive and getting into difficulty when they inadvertently buy national frames.
How many national frames in a UK nuc? at what price?
@@BeekeepingwithTheBeeWhisperer Depending on the supplier, either 5 or 6 frame nucs. Between £195 - £250
Always great practical advice!
Glad you think so!
That's a great advise!
Thanks for watching!
Peter, I agree nucs are better. Spot on except packages at Mann Lake were $195 last year and I could buy a nuc for $150.
I've heard that some like packages because they don't bring any diseases that a box of bees might have. My thoughts are that bees themselves can carry diseases even without frames. What is your thought about that?
That is a valid point. More issues can come with frames from a bad source but bees can carry many of the problems without frames. Another good reason to buy from somewhere you know and trust.
I ordered three packages last year received them in April 2021 all three were all dead when I picked them up at the post office and the company I ordered them from would not replace them and the post office would not accept responsibility so I lost my money.
NEVER BUY PACKAGES I learned the hard way.
That unfortunately is not uncommon. My very first bees were a package in the mail from the Sears catalog! 50% dead, I was off to a hard start. It also pays to buy local!
@@BeekeepingwithTheBeeWhisperer I ordered my first batch of bees they were ok but the local supplier had bees that love to work and go zoom zoom.