Nuc Of Bees

5 Frame Nucleus Colony (Nuc) with Mated Queen

Our 5 Frame Nucs are established starter colonies on standard 9 5/8" deep Langstroth frames, ready to be installed into your hive.

Each nuc includes a current-year (unless “overwintered” is noted) mated and actively laying queen, brood in multiple stages, and sufficient food stores to support the colony during transition.

Available genetics:

• Italian
• Texan
• (seasonal availability)

What to Expect

These are true nucleus colonies — balanced starter hives with brood, food, and a laying queen already in production. They are ready to be transferred into a standard 8-frame or 10-frame deep Langstroth hive body upon arrival at your apiary.

See the Specifications section below for the full itemized breakdown of frames, brood distribution, food stores, mite treatment, and transport details.

Important — No Hive Equipment Included

This product includes bees on frames inside a ventilated transport tote — not a permanent hive.

Hive boxes, bottom boards, covers, feeders, and other woodenware are not included.

If you need a complete hive setup, visit the Hives with Bees for more information about the different formats offered.

Nuc of Bees — Specifications

Each 5-Frame Nucleus Colony includes:

• 5 deep frames with drawn comb
• Approximately 2½–3 frames of brood (eggs, larvae, and capped brood in multiple stages)
• Approximately 1½–2 frames of food stores (honey / nectar and pollen)
• A current-year, mated and actively laying queen (not marked or clipped)
• Worker bees covering approximately 70% or more of the frames
• A new mite control strip installed the week of pickup
• Ventilated ProNuc transport tote (you keep the box — no deposit required)

Queens are verified laying prior to staging for pickup.

These nucs are ready to be installed into a standard 8-frame or 10-frame deep Langstroth style hive body (or compatible) upon arrival at your apiary.

This option includes bees (and frames) only. Hive equipment (boxes, tops, bottoms, feeders, etc.) is sold separately unless purchasing a complete Hive Set.

Installation & Growth Expectations

Nucs should be transferred into a standard 8-frame or 10-frame deep Langstroth hive body within a few days of pickup.

They may be installed immediately upon arrival at your apiary. There is no required waiting period.

During spring growth, additional space is typically needed within 1–3 weeks. Feeding may be necessary if nectar flow is limited.

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Limited Availability

As with most things ag related, many things in beekeeping are dependent on seasons, so not everything is available at all times.

Please Note: Our Texan line of bees are seasonal, not available until the local prime mating season each year. We begin taking orders for mid to late spring Texan Bee Pickup Dates in the fall.

Picking Up Orders — With or Without Bees

We offer convenient “curbside” pickup for customers on the go with minimal delays. For those who would like a closer look, we can open the hives and show you the bees and queens on any available Pick Up Date.

When placing your order, you will select from multiple pickup dates. Hive purchase options are available with or without our popular Basic Beekeeping Class.

Classes are held in the mornings, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, followed by bee pickup and loading in the afternoon.

Appointments are required for all pickups.

Below you will find links addressing some of the most common questions we receive regarding pickup procedures.

For complete details, please review our Order Pickup Instructions before placing your order.

Transport & Pickup

Honey bees, like most other livestock, require attention to the details to keep them safe and healthy. Such as maintaining proper temperatures and ventilation. Therefore, timely pickup and proper handling is recommended.

• Provide adequate ventilation during transport
• Avoid leaving bees unattended in hot vehicles

Failure to follow pickup instructions, particularly in hot weather, may result in loss of bees. (see Pickup notes below)

We have a dedicated section explaining how to safely move your bees, get them properly set up, and transport them in different types of weather.

It's always beneficial to know before you get started.

Purpose:

• Live animal handling
• Pickup requirements
• Temperature / timing expectations

Visit the Transporting Bees section for more information.

Transport & Common Questions

American Made and Honey Bee Approved!

• All hive parts are fully assembled and are either primed and painted white (normally) with high quality exterior latex paint or hot wax dipped for protection from the elements with the natural wood look.
• All orders are subject to the availability of raw materials. All prices are subject to change without notice.
• All Hives, Bees, Parts and Supplies are Local Pick Up Only. Shipping is not an option.

Visit the Beekeeping Help section for general information about bees and beekeeping, including picking up and transporting bees, and much more.

The Short & Sweet Fine Print

All orders are subject to the availability of raw materials. All prices are subject to change without notice.

All Hives, Bees, Parts and Supplies are Local Pick Up Only. Shipping is not available.

Educational content on this website is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as veterinary, agricultural, or legal advice.

Beekeeping practices vary by region, climate, and experience level. By consulting appropriate local resources and professionals when making management decisions often produces the desired and best results.