Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => Pets without Feathers => Topic started by: SnooziSuzi on February 25, 2018, 11:15

Title: Request for a nuc of bees
Post by: SnooziSuzi on February 25, 2018, 11:15
Hi all you lovely beeks, 

This year, instead of hoping to attract a swarm (which never happens, owing to the lack of swarms in this area) I'm hoping to get a nuc of bees and a queen from a keeper.

Would any of you be likely to have plans to split your colonies this year and would be happy to sell me a nuc with a laying queen please?  PM me if you can offer.

I will also be asking at our local BBKA but I have found that the beeks there are reluctant to share  :lol:
Title: Re: Request for a nuc of bees
Post by: sunshineband on February 25, 2018, 13:30
The site policies would mean members would not be able to sell you a nuc, but if you google bee nuc sale uk you will find some local to you for sale, probably pre-order for around mid May I would guess

I hope that helps

Disappointing local bee keepers don't seem to be helpful though
Title: Re: Request for a nuc of bees
Post by: SnooziSuzi on February 25, 2018, 13:55
Thanks Sunshine, 

I have, in the past, googled for such a thing but I'm pretty aware of scams etc and I tend to steer clear of these, using them for information only. 

I'll let you all know how I get on :)
Title: Re: Request for a nuc of bees
Post by: sunshineband on February 25, 2018, 17:51
One or two sites look pretty much in the know and you pay only a small deposit before collecting. You could always check ou the address on google earth if you were worried.

Good luck with your search
Title: Re: Request for a nuc of bees
Post by: ghost61 on February 26, 2018, 17:01
are  you a member of your local BBKA?  If not, that's probably why they're reluctant to pass on a swarm/nuc.  Attending a beekeeping course is also,useful as you would be paired up with a bee buddy who would be keen to get you started.  If you haven't had any training, I really would suggest you get some - bees need looking after to be successful, you can't just leave them to get on with it. 

What sort of hive have you got? Sometimes that can be restrictive and not all parts are interchangeable with the different types of hive.

My branch are great - I was given a swarm last year, turned out the queen wasn't there and then I was given a young queen to requeen the hive.  Worried that the cold snap had killed them off, but had a quick peep yesterday and fed them some sugar syrup (going on hols and want to make sure they can get some extra food), to find thriving bees!  Such joy (and relief)!

Good luck