Get the Jump on Spring 2020 Beekeeping!
Overwintering a nuc (small colony) has several advantages compared to overwintering a full size colony or purchasing a spring package. Compared to a full sized colony, a nuc requires fewer frames of comb (8 to 15 depending upon size and configuration) and about half the amount of winter stores. A nuc that survives the winter will increase its population more rapidly in spring than a package and therefore has a greater chance of producing honey. Furthermore, a nuc that survives the winter demonstrates that it has the genetics to thrive in our environment.
I am selling nucs consisting of 5 MEDIUM frames headed by my locally raised 2019 queen, whose mother (and in some cases grandmother as well) survived one or more PA Winters. Each nuc has 3 frames of brood and 2 frames of stores, as well as the associated nurse and field bees. I suggest overwintering your nuc in a total of 3 medium nuc boxes. If you don’t have drawn comb available for their use, the bees will need to build (draw) an additional 10 medium frames for successful overwintering. Expect to feed lots of sugar (50 pounds or more). Instructions and guidance provided. for more information, see “A nuc to overwinter” under the “Seasonal advice” tab on this web site.
Summer nucs $165 plus $10 deposit on a waxed cardboard nuc box.
Email me via the “contact” tab on this web site to request a nuc.
Screened bottom boards for sale
Screened bottom boards increase ventilation and may help with Varroa mite control. Brand new.
Email vincent.aloyo@gmail.com or contact via “contact” tab on this web site. $16 each.
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