Understanding Packages and Nucs
What Is In a Package of Bees?
A package of bees comprises worker bees and a queen bee sold together in a small, ventilated box. Packages are sold by the pound, typically containing around 10,000 bees, and include a queen bee in a separate cage within the box. Bee packages do not include any comb or brood. Package bees are comparatively more economical and readily available. However, the colony takes time and care to build and grow from scratch.
Definition of a Nuc
A nucleus colony, or nuc, is a small functioning beehive containing 4-5 frames of bees. It includes an established laying queen, frames of brood, honey, and pollen. Nucs have the advantage of being a partially developed colony, which means they already have food stores built up and can start growing faster than packages. Nucs are usually more expensive and may not be as widely available.
Choosing whether to start with a package or a nuc ultimately depends on the beekeeper’s budget and availability.
Comparing Package Bees and Nucs
Origin and Transportation
Suppliers make packages by shaking bees off frames through a funnel into a container until they have collected the desired weight of bees. As you can imagine, the bees aren’t prepared for their move, so the supplier provides a little syrup to get them to their destination. The breeder will include a queen, with a few bees to tend to her separately. These package bees are shipped in a screened box to keep the bees alive. The swarm that gets to you via mail has been through trials and tribulations, so be gentle and patient with them.
On the other hand, a nucleus colony (nuc) is a partially developed colony with frames containing comb, pollen, honey, and brood. Nucs have some food stores built up but will quickly outgrow that space. Transporting a nuc can be slightly more challenging due to its larger size and the presence of frames.
Installation Process
Package bees require the beekeeper to shake the bees out of their shipping container and into the new hive and release the queen bee from the cage. This installation process can take some time and requires proper handling to ensure minimal stress for the bees.
Conversely, installing a nuc is relatively straightforward. The beekeeper simply needs to transfer the frames from the nuc to their new hive. The fact that the nuc already contains a comb, honey, pollen, and brood facilitates a smoother transition for the colony.
Queen Bee Factors
Package bees come with a queen bee that is not related to the worker bees, which can sometimes lead to issues with colony acceptance. Beekeepers must monitor the queen’s release carefully, as complications may arise.
In a nuc, the queen is already part of the established colony, working and laying eggs among the worker bees. The beekeeper can also tell whether the queen is in good health from the brood pattern. Consequently, the time between installation and honey production is less than that of package bees.
Pros and Cons
Advantages of Package Bees
Package bees are a popular choice for beginner beekeepers as they are typically less expensive than nucs. Packages allow more flexibility when it comes to installing bees into any style of hive, making it easier for beekeepers to get started.
Disadvantages of Package Bees
One drawback of package bees is the delay in colony establishment. As the bees are introduced without any existing frames of brood or honey, it takes longer for the colony to settle and start producing honey. Furthermore, since package bees are not raised with the queen, there may be a risk of the workers not accepting her.
Advantages of Nucs
Nucleus colonies are more advanced, providing a well-established colony complete with the queen, worker bees, and drawn comb. This means that a nuc is ready to grow and produce honey much sooner than a package. Additionally, the queen is already accepted with proven viability evidenced by eggs and solid brood pattern. It’s a more stable and reliable option for starting a colony.
Disadvantages of Nucs
Despite their advantages, nucs can be more expensive than package bees, with costs ranging between $50 and $100 more. Furthermore, availability might be limited, causing potential delays in starting a colony. Lastly, nucs might not be suitable for all types of hives, requiring adaptability from the beekeeper.
Selecting the Right Option
Selecting between a package and a nuc depends on various factors, such as cost, ease of installation, and bee colony health. Understanding the key differences between these two options can help beekeepers decide which is more suitable for their needs.
Beekeepers need to evaluate their hive requirements, budget, and personal preferences when choosing between a package of bees or a nucleus colony. Both options have their pros and cons; the decision comes down to which factors matter most to the beekeeper.
