Nucs - 2024 Information

Note: We accept cash, checks or credit cards, however if payment is by credit card there will be an additional 3% charged.



NUCS

Nucleus hives, or nucs, are small 5 frame colonies made by dividing existing colonies in the early spring. Each nuc is given a queen cell and allowed time to establish itself. When you receive your nuc, it will consist of 5 frames with a combination of brood, honey and pollen. A 5 frame nuc is typically composed of 4 - 5 pounds of bees (~14,000 - ~17,500 bees) and an additional ~17,000 cells of brood in various stages of development. Because there is brood hatching and young bees emerging, a nuc will build up faster than package bees and will need to be transferred to full size colonies as soon as possible. They will usually be ready for a second brood box within two weeks of installation. Nucs should be fed until all frames in the first and second brood chamber are drawn out or in all three brood chambers if using Illinois/medium boxes.

     If your pickup is in the evening, the entrance is closed when you arrive. If your pickup is in the morning, we close the entrance the evening before. For morning pickups, you need to arrive between 7:30AM to 9AM. For evening pickups, you need to arrive between 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM. The nucs will be in a reusable plastic Pro Nuc box.

     Currently scheduled pickup dates begin in early April but are subject to change due to inconsistencies in Spring weather. Pick up date preference is first come, first served. You will be notified by email when the nucs are available for pickup. The email you receive will give you information as to what days the nucs can be picked up and you will schedule a pickup date and time in a return email.

     5 frame Nucs with an Italian VSH queen are $200.00 each.

     Extra South Carolina VSH Queens are available for pick up or shipment for $38.00 each.

     Ordering: See item 1 in the Details Section below.

     If the queen is dead in your nuc we will replace the queen.

    Please Note: We are unable to ship nucs, however we can ship SC queens to you via Express Mail or Overnight.

Details

1. Ordering: Email SnydersApiaries@zoominternet.net or call us at 410-329-6671 with your name, address, phone number and email address nuc, package bee or queen order. We will email you an order confirmation and payment instructions at the time of your order.
2. Payment: Full payment is due when your order is placed. Cancellations: Bee orders cancelled before March 25^th will be refunded the purchase price of the package or nuc. If cancelling after March 25^th, then no refund will be made UNLESS we can resell the package or nuc to another customer.
3. Returns & Refunds: There are no returns or refunds once the customer accepts their nuc, package bees, or queens at our White Hall location.
4. Additional Orders: Need additional equipment when you pick up your bees? Placing an order, a week or so prior to your pickup date ensures it's ready for you when you get here!

Other Terms and Conditions

1. The customer understands and acknowledges that package bees and nucs contain living creatures and are perishable. Snyder’s Apiaries will not be responsible or liable for loss of bees or nucs due to overheating, swarming or neglect once they are received by the customer. It is the responsibility and duty of the customer to ensure that package bees and nucs are kept cool and out of direct sun until they are installed in hives.
2. Beekeeping is a form of agriculture and is subject to the whims of Mother Nature. Snyder’s Apiaries will do its best to deliver the bees on time; however, unfavorable weather may prevent us from doing so. Should there be a change in delivery dates, we will contact you.