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Sign up for Spring Nucleus Hives here!

A nucleus hive is a baby hive, generally of 5 frames of bees, with a proven, laying queen and brood in all stages. Most of our bees are a Carnolian cross which will refrain from brooding in cooler weather, reducing the risk of starvation.  Your nuc will be ready in May, or even in early June, if the weather is consistently poor in the Spring months.  Some folks offer bees in this area in April, or even earlier, but generally these have been brought in from warmer climes and are not acclimated to the weather in the Rogue Valley or may not be fully ready.  In short, we “babysit” the nuc for you until it is ready to go home and increase in size quickly.  You will get it later, but with less risk of a poor queen or other problems.  This takes time in our climate!

We will contact you around the first week of March for a 50% deposit, then the remainder will be due when you pick up the bees in late May or early June.  Pickup will be by appointment.

The price will be in the $195.00 range for a 5 frame nuc with a laying queen and brood as described above.  The price is subject to change each year.  First come- first served, so the higher your name is on the list, the sooner you will get your bees.  We will call with details of the date and time for your appointment to pick up the bees, either early in the morning or after sunset, since the bees are snug in their boxes at those times and can be moved without leaving the field force of workers behind.

Once you take your “nuc” home, you will need to transfer it into a larger box, generally within a week, since they will grow fast.   It is a good idea to have your equipment ready for your babies when they come home. But if not transferring into larger equipment at once, place your nuc exactly where you will want it so they can find their way back. OPEN THE ENTRANCE OR REMOVE THE PLUG (depending on the design of the box you get) so the bees can get out and don’t bake to death!!!

Feel free to ask questions at any time through this process – that’s what we’re here for!

You can place your name on this list from July onward to be added to the list for the following year.  If you are signing up before May 1, you will be signed up for this year.  We primarily sell nucs for standard Langstroth equipment.  If you need a swarm or a package for a Warre or top bar hive, we might be able to help you too.  NEW!  Full beehives, all transferred and ready to go home.  Give us a call or text for equipment pricing.

If you have a question, call or text (541) 826-7621.