When you are starting out with beekeeping using a nuc can be a great idea. The word “nuc” is short for ‘nucleus’ and can be also be seen with this spelling ‘nuke’. It’s pronounced differently as well depending on who you are talking to.
In many cases, you will hear the context of a nuc being used in the phrase of nuc box. In this article, we will be going over what a nuc is and its importance to managing bees. And why it’s used.
What is a nuc for bees?
Nucs are small honeybee colonies. They are often called nucleus colonies because the colony of honeybees is inside a small box. The nucleus hive is given this name because it’s primarily centered around the queen… which happens to be the nucleus of the hive.
This nuc box is just a miniature representation of a beehive, it’s designed to hold fewer frames. Roughly 3-5 instead of your typical 8 -10 in a traditional hive. The nuc box will hold fewer bees. The nuc may not be given a queen, it depends on other factors. But if it does not contain a queen, there will be eggs and the worker bees can create a queen from one of the eggs that are present.
If a queen will be introduced to the nuc she will be introduced either immediately after the bees are separated from the larger colony in a queen cage, or the queen can be introduced to the colony a little later after being without a queen for a little bit. The absence of the queen will cause chaos and a loss of structure to a hive. Introducing a queen a little later improves the chances of the queen being accepted immediately upon placement into the colony.
What does it do for bees?
This nuc allows the bees to control their environment much easier because it is smaller. As the bees are moved to the nuc it gives them better control over the temperature and humidity of their hive. This improves climate, thus increasing the brood-rearing abilities of the hive.
This nuc box can also be used to help with creating a new queen. When you use a nuc as a temporary home for a small swarm you can remove queen cells from a larger colony and place them into the smaller colony which promotes a reduction in the urge to swarm. Also known as walk away split.
Why it’s used?
Having a nuc box offers many benefits for bees and beekeepers. The first is it prevents swarming from occurring. Swarming is when bees create split and separate new colonies creating two or maybe more new colonies elsewhere. So, creating nuc boxes allow beekeepers to control the environment of the hive.
By strategically splitting the colony you prevent overcrowding. Allowing a colony to remain healthy and allow you to grow that smaller nuc colony into its own larger full-size hive. Afterall with the proper time, resources, and weather conditions you can keep creating thriving colonies with nuc boxes.
What should I expect when getting a nuc?
These bee boxes contain mini hives. They are typically the standard hight of a Langstroth deep box. Also, because of the fewer number of frames needed the width is less than your typical full-size deep box.
Depending on where you get your equipment an average price for a nuc box can vary. Most unassembled nuc boxes include the inner cover, deep, bottom board, and the top. Because it’s not put together the foundation and frames are your responsibility to add.
Caring for your bees while in a nuc
When you transfer your bees to a nuc and separate the colony there are a few things you want to keep in mind. It’s imperative you remember your nuc is susceptible to deterioration easier than a full-size hive. This is because it contains fewer worker bees than a normal colony. So, you must feed your newly created hive.
You can do this using a frame feeder, or some other form of bee feeder. The reason this is important to do to keep your workers in the nuc. This allows them to help nurse the brood and build the stability of the colony.
In addition, smaller colonies have higher risks of being taken advantage of by larger colonies where nectar can be stolen as well as nectar and honey. This happens simply because they are a weaker hive. So,it’s very important you keep a close watch on your nuc box.
Speak with Lake Honey they understand all the steps necessary to keep your bees healthy, your colony growing, and how to protect your bees in this situation. Reach us at (940) 277-BEES.
In Conclusion
A nuc is a mini hive, that offers several benefits for you the beekeeper, and also for your colony. It prevents overcrowding, swarming, and promotes the growth of newer colonies. Lake Honey can help whether it’s learning about nuc’s or honey and what you want to pay attention to when harvesting. We welcome your calls and questions. Please call, we are here to help.