Mid-season nucleus colonies 2024

We are delighted to be able to offer mid-season nucleus colonies that are primed for expansion. These nucleus colonies are complete with mated queen from 2024 clipped and marked green.

2024 Season

These colonies are typically available for the start of June weather dependent. The queen will have been mated this year and introduced to bees accompanying her. We make sure she has been fully accepted and laying well before collection. The colony itself will build well and strong. Again, weather dependent production of a honey crop can be forthcoming in the first year.

Package

You will receive your nucleus colony on 6 national/standard British frames. Minium of 4 frames being used for brood when boxed for collection. 1 mated AMM queen from 2024 clipped and marked. Colonies will be checked and treated beforehand if necessary. 1 x handmade 6 frame wooden travel box with mesh floor.

Dimensions: 310mm x 270mm x 460mm HxWxL

What to do after receiving

Travel crate dimensions allow you to situate your box exactly where you are going to put your colony. Try to position the entrance roughly in the same spot where you intend the entrance to be after you transfer it to a full hive box. You can use a standard National roof directly on top of the crate. Once in place and secure all you need to do is turn the entrance to the open position and allow the bees to orientate to that spot for a day or two. Once orientated transfer to a full hive box in the same position and the bees will do the rest.

As always, we wish every beekeeper, beginner or advanced every success with their new colonies and hope the year is bountiful.

At present we offer no shipping on these colonies and must be collected.

To learn more about native Irish honey bees please go to Bee Conservation