Nuc of bees

[Potterne Preserver]

Hi All,

I have been in the amazing and fascinating world of beekeeping for about a year, joined my local association and took the introduction to beekeeping course and signed up for the apprenticeship, which will continue next year where I have a colonel at the club apairy.

After much thought I have decided to have a colonel at home and will be ordering a nuc of bees ready for next season, ideally Buckfast as all the research I have read said their temperament is suitable for new beekeepers.

I have spent many hours on line and reading journals to where and who is a good reputable supplier, any guidance or recommendations would be welcome.

Many thanks

Paul

 

[Blunt Spike]

Whilst I appreciate that you would like Buckfast, as you are a member of your local association surely someone there can sort you out -preferably the swarm coordinator / collector it may save you a bob or two.

 

[Fritillary]

After much thought I have decided to have a colonel at home
Paul

I do love auto-corrects!

 

[jeff33]

Whilst I appreciate that you would like Buckfast, as you are a member of your local association surely someone there can sort you out -preferably the swarm coordinator / collector it may save you a bob or two.

I agree, online suppliers of nucs can charge a ridiculous amount of money.

 

[Apiarisnt]

...or build yourself a bait hive. I caught two colonies this year. Not much choice in what you get, but remarkably good value. Read Tom Seeley on the best dimensions and placing. Five meters up in a tree seems to work well for me.

 

[colinc]

For a garden colony a swarm may cause issues if it turns out to be defensive. No guarantees with purchased bees but reputable bee breeders increase the chance of a calm colony. You may not see aggression develop until they get to a double brood size colony. How close and understanding are your neighbours? That may be a factor too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Beefriendly]

I agree, online suppliers of nucs can charge a ridiculous amount of money.

A swarm of unknown temperament (with the potential to be quite nasty) that has already demonstrated a swarming trait....... for a new beekeeper.....
Not the best advice IMHO.
Most suppliers of Nuc's sell them for around £150, which is about 30 jars of honey sold at the gate. Better to go for a known quantity and gentle queen.

 

[philipm]

Why not have a chat with members of your local association usually you will find someone who is selling nucs. At least then they will be local bees and the temperment will be
known . Also you normally will have some help from the person who sold them to you.Or if you are brave do as others do and get a swarm .

 

[Wingy]

To be honest £150-£200 for a nuc isn't that bad depending on what you get. Nuc box, 5-6 new frames & foundation, good Q, plenty of bees, BIAS, help & advice and the time put in by the supplier/breeder
A cheaper option would be going down the catch a swarm or get one from your BKA. Settle them then if it's Buckfast you want re Queen with a good Q from a reputable breeder. That's how I got mine (in a roundabout way) and they are a pleasure with such a calm temperament
Wingy
Wingy

 

[linoleum bonypart]

I had a shaky start trying with two swarms wouldn't recommend it now..... club auctions ....talk to the sellers

 

[Swarm]

Do a split with the colony you have at the apiary and save yourself the money.

 

[jeff33]

A swarm of unknown temperament (with the potential to be quite nasty) that has already demonstrated a swarming trait....... for a new beekeeper.....
Not the best advice IMHO.
Most suppliers of Nuc's sell them for around £150, which is about 30 jars of honey sold at the gate. Better to go for a known quantity and gentle queen.

Yes that's always a risk with swarms, I am tight though, so prepared to take the risk and return queen if needs be.

 

[Beefriendly]

Yes that's always a risk with swarms, I am tight though, so prepared to take the risk and return queen if needs be.

Yes, you might take the risk. But would this be good advice for someone just taking up the hobby?
Vicious bees and a handler with little experience are a sure way for more second hand equipment to appear for sale.

 

[For want of a better word]

Yes, you might take the risk. But would this be good advice for someone just taking up the hobby?
Vicious bees and a handler with little experience are a sure way for more second hand equipment to appear for sale.

You may also like this...
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332391711892


ONLY JOSSING really.... enjoy you beekeeping... it is not at all that difficult!!

Yeghes da

 

[Beefriendly]

ONLY JOSSING really.... enjoy you beekeeping... it is not at all that difficult!!

Been on the ciser again Sentence structure does become difficult after a few.