Nucleus hives, or nucs, are fully established, self-supporting small hives consisting of five frames. Nucs are a good way to establish new full-sized hives. One of the major benefits of nucs over packaged bees is that nucs already contain a laying queen and are an established colony. They don't take the amount of time to get going that package bees do. Nucs are transported in wooden or cardboard boxes made specially for the purpose. Because they are functioning colonies in frames with comb already drawn, nucs are usually a little more expensive than package bees.

Advantages of nucs are:

• Local bees are acclimated to the area
• Quicker to establish than package bees
• Contains bees of all ages, brood and eggs
• No queen release required
• A nuc is a functioning hive ready to go to work for you

Recommended sources of nucs:

Wayne Kramer, Richland, Michigan, northeast of Kalamazoo. Here is the contact information:
Cell: 269-370-8595
Home: 269-383-8411
Work: 269-833-6785

Located in Richland, Michigan

Doug Grooters, Jenison, Michigan   Phone 616- 616-291-9521  Click here for Doug Grooters email.
These are strong chemical-free nucs from overwintered survivor stock.

Mel Disselkoen, Wyoming, Michigan    Phone 616-241-3235  Web Site: http://www.mdasplitter.com

Danny Slabaugh, Nappanee, Indiana    Cell phone: 574-315-5586 Home: 574-773-2345

Bob Baughman. Nucs are $100 each (deep frames) Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it