Difference between 3lb and 5frame nuc.

[Shawn]

So What would be the advantage of buying a five frame nuc for about $80.00 or a 3lb package of bees. Is there a advantage in either. I have decided that my first hive will be a hive of Russian and my sons will be a hive of carniolans and the queen, which I have already preordered is the goldline queen. If someone sees a problem with the combo please let me know.

[Understudy]

With the nuc you have an established hive. Frames and a hive body. The package needs more work to be established.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[Michael Bush]

If you want to raise them in deeps, then the nuc is probably the best bet (assuming a good provider and a strong nuc).  If you want to raise them in mediums or top bar hives or any other alternative, then the package will be simpler.  If you want to regress them to small cell, the package would be easier.

The nuc will have a head start on the package as it has comb, brood, pollen and stores.  The package has nothing.