Thinking of trying to change my bee order to nucs

Simondsrach · April 08, 2017, 01:54:04 PM

Reserved a package of bees last month ... had someone else go in and place the order ... turns out bee delivery date is in the same weekend that I'm going to be out of town. I've manipulated my plans to make it work but I'm not thrilled about it . Just found I could've ordered books for around ten dollars more and they get delivered a week later than the packaged bees which is ideal timing.... I'm hoping I can call in Monday and switch to the nucs ... when I ordered my bees I was kind of clueless to what a NYC was and didn't seem common to the beginner beekeeper ... so is there any reason why this would be a bad idea

iddee · April 08, 2017, 02:21:31 PM

You have typed nucs, nyc, and books. If I can decipher your post halfway right, I am going to agree with you. A good, strong nuc, up to 3 weeks later than a package, is the better deal.

Simondsrach · April 08, 2017, 02:48:33 PM

Sorry I can't see what I type because I'm in a phone. And the message scale is much much larger ... but yes I met Nuc every time lol. Auto correct

cao · April 08, 2017, 03:02:22 PM

If given a choice I would go with a nuc over a package anytime.

BeeMaster2 · April 10, 2017, 06:58:33 AM

The only real reason for going with a package over a nuc is if American foul brood is a real concern. I would ask if they treat their hives for AFB. If they do cancel your order and find another source. Package bees are safer but a good nuc from a good breeder will put your hive way ahead of a package.
Jim

Simondsrach · April 10, 2017, 07:18:15 AM

I ordered from dadant bee supply. They are only a few miles from my house so I didn't need them sent in the mail. Calling today :). Thank you. I'm hoping

DeepCreek · April 12, 2017, 01:13:24 PM

If looking at a NUC, I would try to find a good local over-wintered one from a reputable source.

Michael Bush · April 13, 2017, 05:56:09 PM

The MAIN reason to get a package rather than a nuc is if you want your bees on a different frame size (mediums vs deeps) or different cell size (4.9mm vs 5.4mm) or you want them in some other kind of hive (top bar hive, warre' etc.)

CrazyTalk · April 14, 2017, 12:42:22 PM

Quote from: sawdstmakr on April 10, 2017, 06:58:33 AM
The only real reason for going with a package over a nuc is if American foul brood is a real concern. I would ask if they treat their hives for AFB. If they do cancel your order and find another source. Package bees are safer but a good nuc from a good breeder will put your hive way ahead of a package.
Jim

At a $10 difference, and only a week later - absolutely the nuc.

Most of the time there's a $50+ difference between nucs and packages - and that's a significant reason. Nucs are also usually available later - last year the locals around me had packages (ordered in the winter) that ended up showing up on April 5th (for $100) and Nucs at $160 that showed up the first week of May.