Honeybee Nucleus Colonies from Washington State.
Nucs, or Nucleus Colonies, are small honeybee colonies created from larger colonies. The term refers both to the smaller size box and the colony of honeybees within it. The name is derived from the fact that a nuc hive is centered around a queen, the nucleus of the honey bee colony.
Sweet As Can Bee Honey Farm selects breeder stock from hives that have overwintered successfully in Washington State. We do not chemically treat our colonies! Genetic diversity is an important ingredient in raising bee colonies. We introduce new breeder stock every year to achieve the highest degree of diversity. Many of our breeders are chosen in the spring based on our high standards of selection criteria.
Sweet As Can Bee Honey Farm does not strive to maintain pure lines or purchase our bees from one beekeeper. We do not “label” our bees but rather believe that genetic diversity, combined with proper selection, management and breeding guidelines produce the best bee colonies.
2009 Nucleus Colony (Nuc) Prices
- 5 Frame Nuc Colony in Your Box: $90.00 (Must drop off nuc box 1 week before desired pickup.)
- 5 Frame Nuc Colony in a Cardboard Nuc Box: $98.00
- 5 Frame Nuc Colony in a Wooden Nuc Box (used): $125
Our nucs consist of 5 frames in total. Three frames with brood and adhering bees, 1 frame of honey, and 1 frame for the queen to continue to lay. Our nucs are headed by a young fresh prolific queen. We do not use chemicals to treat our honeybees. We use black plastic Pierco deep frames. We normally have nucs available from June to September depending on weather conditions. If you are purchasing nucs post blackberry flow, you will need to start getting the colony ready for winter by feeding them. Please contact us for more information so we can process your order as quickly as possible!
Local Pickup and Delivery
We will deliver nucs to your location within the greater Puget Sound area for a small delivery fee.
Local pickup is available as well. Please contact us for more information and to schedule a pickup. When you come to pick up your order, we will actually open the nuc together so I can show you the queen. Please bring your protective gear. Leave your smoker at home as I will have one. You will also need to have some straps to help you move the bees.
Hi I am a brand new beekeeper, I am looking to have bees delived to me in early June. I live
in Sammamish, WA. I have been reading some books on Bees and have ordered my first
hive and other beekeeping equipment. I want to have local bees so they will have a better
chance of survival. I look forward to hearing from you.
Just wanted to say I really like your site and will definitely be back!
Thanks for the great post! You have a new fan.
Just wanted to say I really like your site and will definitely be back!
I live in Kennewick, Washington; the east side of the state in the desert. There is a lot of agriculture in this area, however, I’ve noticed over the years a severe decline in honey bees. There are still a lot of really ugly bees like yellow jackets and wasps, but not many honey bees.
Now, I’m very afraid of bees…..my son and I are both allergic, but was wondering about putting a hive on the back of our ten acres. Do they require a lot of care and would they survive our severe hot and cold temps?? (I certainly wouldn’t want to have to bring them inside during this part of our seasons.) Are there specific bees for this area or would your’s work??
Thanks for listening…
Stormy
Hi Stormy!
Great question! I would suggest finding a beekeeper in your area who might need a little land to keep their bees on. It can be a free service (someitmes) and the beekeeper might give you honey for rent. We do at least. I wouldnt try to keep bees if I was allergic to them. Too much risk even though honeybees are docile. I might also suggest bumble bees or mason bees.
I hope this helps. Feel free to email me at isaac@sweetascanbeehoneyfarm.com or call me anytime if you need anything.