Over wintered nucleus colonies 2024

We are delighted to be able to offer early season over wintered nucleus colonies 2024.that have been through the winter months and are primed for expansion. These nucleus colonies are complete with mated queen from 2023 clipped and marked red.

2024 Season

These colonies are typically available from the start of April weather dependant. The queen will have been mated last year and produced the bees accompanying her. We make sure she is laying well before collection. The colony itself will build quickly to become a strong full colony. Weather dependant production of a honey crop can be abundant 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 2023 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 the native Irish honey bee visit: Bee Conservation