New Jersey Nucleus Colonies

Why Buy a NUC?

A nucleus colony is one of the best ways to start a hive. Unlike packages which start with nothing, it is an already established colony. It has a proven, well-mated queen, unstressed workers who are healthy and ready to expand the colony infrastructure, and additional brood and food resources to give them an extra boost towards success.

Why Buy an Overwintered NUC?

An overwintered NUC has many benefits. First, they are available earlier in the spring. Although we make no guarantees we expect them to be ready by the beginning of April, which is approximately 6 weeks before our spring nucs are ready. Of course this also depends on how well they are building up brood. Second, you get a queen raised by us the previous summer who has also brought her colony through the winter and is going into her second year, which is considered by many to be her best year.

An overwintered nuc gives you a head start on the year and with the proper tending will most likely yield a honey crop. We suggest only experienced beekeepers use these nucs as the novice may struggle to manage their rapid growth and desire to swarm.

Why Buy From Us?

When you buy bees from us you get more than bees. You get access to our support along the way. We are always here to help you with questions you may have. We want you to be a successful beekeeper.

We take pride in the health and treatment of our bees. We make sure we have gentle bees that are well cared for and strong. They will be ready to work your farm, garden, or neighborhood on day one. Healthy bees are happy bees and happy bees are a pleasure to work with.

What is included?

With your NUC order you will receive a 5 frame NUC in a sealed temporary NUC box ready to be picked up; no transferring of frames needed. We find this to be the safest and easiest way to transition bees to their new home.

Of the 5 fully drawn out DEEP frames you will receive 3 frames with brood of all stages (eggs to emerging) and 2 frames of food (honey & pollen). And of course a box full of worker bees as well as a mated queen, proven and inspected for quality by us.

When will they be ready for pickup?

We expect our Overwintered Nucs to be ready around early April, weather permitting. When we have determine they are brooding up nicely, we will reach out and schedule a pickup time.

Spring Nucs however are a different animal. Because of the variety of factors it is difficult to predict exactly when they will be available. We estimate our earliest NUCS to be ready for pickup in mid May. We will not sacrifice quality for time. As they progress we will be in contact with you so you know how things are going and when they should be ready for pick-up.

All our nuc reservations are first come first serve, so the sooner place your deposit down, the earlier you will get your bees!

How does pickup work?

Honeybees are delicate creatures and we want the best for them, for this reason we do not do pickups in the middle of the day when the heat can hurt them or even kill them. We will schedule you for a pickup either in the early morning or late afternoon/evening, that way you have plenty of time to transfer them into their new home before the heat of the day or wait until the following morning, if you choose an evening pick-up.

Pick-ups are in Howell, NJ.

After pickup.

After pickup and once in your possession we cannot be held responsible for what happens to the bees in transport or otherwise. If however you have any issues with quality or questions of any kind we are always happy to help. Keeping honeybees is a very rewarding activity to be a part of but they are also a challenge and there can be difficulties along the way, we are here and willing to help give you the best chance at being successful.

Payments

We will be in communication with you as to the specific date when your nuc will be ready. On that date the remaining balance, in cash, will be due at pickup, no exceptions.

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you on your beekeeping journey!