Choosing between Packages or Nucs

#beefarm #bees #cultivating

Choosing between Packages or Nucs :

Starting beekeeping may seem easy, but being successful at it is a different story altogether. In this text, I will share what I have learned and provide some valuable insights to help you become a successful beekeeper and what you thing will be right for you when choosing between nucs or packages

Before you jump into beekeeping by purchasing all the necessary equipment and gear, there are a few things you should know. Bees can be bought in two popular ways: packages and nucs. Packages are the cheaper option. In 2024, packages cost around $120-$140 for a 3-pound package. On the other hand, 5-frame nucs are priced between $170-$190. Nucs are hives that already have new bees and an established colony. They also come with 5 fully built-out frames of wax, pollen, and nectar. This helps your bee colony take off faster and grow at a quicker pace.

Packages, on the other hand, are just bees. You will need to put them in a nuc that has frames that are not yet drawn out. You will need to feed them sugar water right away, and they will have to acclimate and draw out comb before they can start growing. Packages are more challenging for new beekeepers since the queen comes in a cage and must be slowly released into the hive and establish the new frames. Additionally, all your new frames will not have any wax built out, so feeding them right away is necessary. If you decide to get a package for your first time, I would highly recommend watching a few YouTube videos on how to move a package into a nuc.

Make sure to have all your equipment ready way before the bees arrive. Make sure if you are getting nucs that you strap them down when transporting them to prevent them from tipping over and with packages if you transport them to put a mesh sheet over them due to bees usually being on the out side of the package so they do not fly around in your car or outside before you have your equipment on.

No chose of nucs or packages will make or break your beekeeping expectance it all comes down to putting in the time and effort and learning from yours and other mistakes and keep learning and educating yourself