Nuclei Product Description
Five frame nuclei of bees reared by ourselves in Wales on British Standard National self-spacing Hoffman frames (which can be used in WBC Hives). Nuclei on Smith frames are also available.
We can supply bees for use in Warre hives by prior arrangement. A small extra fee is charged for making any adaptations required, particularly so that the bees will be safe in transit.
These nucs are headed by a tested, over-wintered 2024 season queen and are available from mid-May onwards, depending on weather conditions. Nuclei supplied later in spring/summer may be headed by the current season’s queen.
Our Bees
The queens that head our nuclei are not imported and are reared in our local apiaries in Wales. They are well adapted for variable UK climatic conditions.
The bees we produce are a dark, local strain of Welsh bee; some colour variation may occur because the queens are naturally mated. We have been rearing bees suited to our own local conditions and producing nuclei for sale since 1977.
Our bees are generally quiet on the comb and easy to handle, making them suitable for beginner beekeepers. They are also effective nectar gatherers, therefore also meeting the needs of larger honey producers, such as ourselves. Our bees have been varroa treated and regularly FERA inspected for notifiable bee diseases. We are attempting to breed bees which survive with minimal treatment for Varroa, with some indications of success. The bees we supply as nuclei are reared as part of this ongoing programme.
Collection
Our bees are usually provided in a robust custom-made wooden nucleus travelling box, which is included in the price of the nucleus.
Nuclei can be collected from our bee farm in mid-Wales by prior individual arrangement. Please supply your contact details so that we can arrange this with you.
To avoid risk of damage to the bees, we do not usually use a postal service.
We provide all customers with printed information giving guidance on how to transport and care for the bees in transit and how to make a safe transfer into their permanent hives.
Prices (2025)
The price of a single (5 frame) nucleus of bees is £235.00 (collected price), which includes the cost of a ventilated wooden nucleus travelling box with frames of brood and stores.
Some of our customers like to put together a group order to benefit from lower costs and shared transport arrangements. We would be pleased to offer the discount rate per nucleus for orders of ten or more nuclei. Please contact us directly to arrange.
Depending on the type of travel box we are able to supply, we will pay a fee for any returned to us in good re-usable condition (up to £20.00 per wooden box).
For further information and to check availability, please email bluegrasshoney@yahoo.co.uk
A deposit of £40 per nucleus secures a firm order (pending our confirmation of availability). Early orders are recommended.