More Information About Our 5 Frame Nucs
What Is a Nucleus Colony (Nuc)?
A nucleus (often called a nuc of bees or nucleus colony) is a small starter colony, usually 3–6 frames in size, that develops into a full colony through spring and summer. A fully functioning nuc will have: A mated queen that is laying eggs, brood in different stages (eggs, larvae and sealed brood), at least one frame of food stores and a good covering of bees on all frames.
If you’re new to buying bees, a 5 frame nuc is one of the most popular ways to start because the colony is already established and building.
Suitable for New and Experienced Beekeepers
Whether you’re buying your first colony or expanding an established apiary, our nucs offer a strong, balanced start.
New beekeepers benefit from:
A settled colony on 5 frames
Clear guidance on what to do next after collection
Experienced beekeepers gain:
Reliable replacement or expansion colonies
Bees that integrate well into standard National setups
How We Produce Our Nucs
A 5 or 6 frame nucleus is made by taking frames of brood and worker bees from a larger colony, placing them into a smaller nucleus hive, and introducing a fertile queen.
To help the bees settle, the nucleus hive is moved away from the original apiary so the flying bees don’t drift back to the parent colony. The nuc is then left for around a week to allow the workers to accept the new queen. Once accepted, the queen will be moving calmly on the frames and laying eggs in solid patterns. The nuc is then fed inverted sugar syrup and left to build up in strength.
Buckfast Queens Selected for Calm, Productive Colonies
Our nucs are headed by Buckfast queens (UK-raised and imported options available), selected with British conditions in mind. We focus on:
Steady, workable temperament – calmer handling and easier inspections
Strong brood patterns – reliable build-up through the season
Colonies suited to typical UK forage and weather, with good overwintering potential
We aim to supply colonies that are a pleasure to work with and a solid foundation for the season ahead.
Travel Box, Poly Nuc Box & When to Transfer
Your 5 frame nucleus may be supplied in a temporary vented travel box so the bees can breathe. Until you transfer your nuc into its new home, keep it:
out of direct sunlight
in a cool, shaded place
secure and well ventilated
We recommend transferring your nuc into its full-size hive the same day, with late evening often being best.
Our six frame buckfast nucs will be supplied in a polystyrene nuc box. These are suitable for all weather conditions, so there’s less urgency to transfer immediately — however, colonies can outgrow a nuc box quickly once they start building, so don’t leave them too long before moving into a full hive.
Feeding and Ongoing Care After Transfer
Your nuc will come with at least one frame of food stores, but when you move it into a larger hive with additional frames it’s important to feed straight away so the colony can continue building and drawing comb.
We recommend:
feed inverted syrup (or a suitable beekeeper feed) after transfer
keep monitoring food levels, especially during poor weather or forage gaps
check regularly that the colony is not at risk of starvation while it expands.