thorn
Drone Bee
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2009
- Messages
- 1,472
- Reaction score
- 487
- Location
- An Essex boy stranded in Leeds
- Hive Type
- National
- Number of Hives
- It varies.
We found sites for two new apiaries last December, and decided to buy some colonies to start them off as it was too late to develope our own. We ordered four nucs, two from each source. This week both suppliers have told me that because of the cold spring delivery will be at least two weeks after the anticipated date.
I'm not unhappy that they're holding the colonies back until they're stronger, but people posting here are already worrying about swarming, such is the strength of the colonies they've brought through winter, and several of my colonies are stronger than I've ever known in mid April.
What is the general experience of beekeepers who've brought nucs through this last winter? Are they slow in building up? And have those who ordered nucs found that their supplier has told them they'll be later than expected?
I'm not unhappy that they're holding the colonies back until they're stronger, but people posting here are already worrying about swarming, such is the strength of the colonies they've brought through winter, and several of my colonies are stronger than I've ever known in mid April.
What is the general experience of beekeepers who've brought nucs through this last winter? Are they slow in building up? And have those who ordered nucs found that their supplier has told them they'll be later than expected?