If you’re getting into beekeeping, you’re going to need bees—and that means making a choice early on: should you order a package or a nuc?
Both options will get you started, but they’re not the same. The choice depends on your goals, your budget, and most importantly, what’s available in your area.
What Is a Package of Bees?
A bee package is typically a 3-pound box of bees shipped in a screened cage. Inside you’ll find thousands of worker bees and a caged queen (see photo above).
Packages are:
- Shipped from commercial bee yards
- Installed into an empty hive where the queen must be introduced
- Completely reliant on you for early feed and comb building (Pollen and nectar may be available at the time of installation, but feeding is still necessary to sustain them on days where it is raining or too cold to forage.
They’re usually more affordable, easier to find, and available earlier in the season.
What Is a Nucleus Colony (Nuc)?
A nuc (short for nucleus colony) is a 5-frame mini hive that already has drawn comb, brood in all stages, food stores, and a mated queen that is already accepted by the colony. These may sometimes be sold as 6-frame and sometimes as many as 8-frame. I would not settle for less than five.
Some suppliers will provide the nuc in a temporary cardboard or plastic box, while others require you to bring your own wooden nuc box for pickup.
Important: Nucs do not ship. They are for local pickup only.
Pros and Cons of Packages
Pros:
- Generally less expensive
- Easier to ship
- Available early in the season
- More widely offered through commercial suppliers
Cons:
- Queen is not yet accepted
- All comb must be built from scratch
- Colony starts from zero
- Slight risk of queen rejection
- 21+ days until first worker can be replaced
Pros and Cons of Nucs
Pros:
- Strong head start
- Comb is already built
- Queen is accepted and laying
- Faster colony buildup in the spring
Cons:
- More expensive
- Limited availability
- Must be picked up locally (if you can find someone willing to ship them at all)
So Which One Should You Choose?
A lot of the decision comes down to availability in your area. But if you have the option, I recommend going with a nuc—especially if you live in a region with a short or compressed nectar flow.
A nuc gives your bees a major head start, and for most beginners, that boost can make a real difference in the colony’s success.
Packages can still work well, but you’ll need to pay close attention during queen introduction, feed consistently, and be patient while the bees build everything from scratch.
Final Tips
- Order early. Bees sell out fast, especially nucs
- Find a local supplier if possible
- Have your gear, hive setup, and feed ready before they arrive
- Make sure you understand how to install whichever one you choose
Related Posts:
- Top 10 Things to Consider Before Getting Into Beekeeping
- How Much Does Beekeeping Really Cost?
- Beekeeping Gear Checklist