If you need or want to get some honey bees this spring, the two traditional means are to get a 3-pound package or a (usually) 5 frame nucleus colony. There are advantages and disadvantages to both and like so many things in beekeeping – it depends on the situation of which might be a better choice.

Packages aren't cheap, and they are slower to develop, which is good for a less experienced beekeeper, but for somebody who wants a fast buildup, not so good. That first winter for a package is usually critical, especially if they were put on new equipment, because their time to get ready has been short, and they've been playing catchup all summer.

Nucs generally offer comb, eggs, brood of all ages, honey and pollen, and a laying queen, but there can be a lot of variables for all of these attributes that can throw any beekeeper a curve. They hit the ground running, so to speak, so from a beginner's perspective it can be a steep learning curve. If it's strong and a good season, a nuc will probably make you a bit of honey.

So, packages and nucs are both good options, depending on your abilities, goals and if you have mentorship to help answer questions throughout the season.

Listen to Kim & Jim for more information on Packages and Nucs!

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