Top 10 Things to Know About Bringing Home a New Nucleus Colony

1. Your Hive Must Be Fully Prepared Before Pickup

Your equipment should be set up before the nuc arrives:

• Bottom board

• Brood box

• Inner & outer cover

• Feeder (if needed)

• Extra framesA nuc is a fully functioning mini-hive — it must be transferred immediately.

2. Transport Bees on a Cool, Calm Day (or Early/Late in the Day)

Nucs do best when moved during cooler hours.Keep them level, shaded, and secure during transport, with ventilation facing unobstructed.

3. Set the Hive in Its Permanent Location Immediately

Nucs shouldn’t be moved repeatedly. Bees reorient quickly, so place them where you plan to keep the hive long-term.

4. Install the Bees Within a Few Hours of Bringing Them Home

Nucs can overheat or become stressed if left in the box too long.Transfer the frames into your hive the same day for best results.

5. Keep the Frames in the Same Order

When transferring into your brood box, keep the frames in the same sequence and orientation as in the nuc.This protects the brood pattern and keeps the colony organized.

6. Feed the Colony for the First Few Weeks (Unless There’s a Strong Nectar Flow)

New colonies build comb fast — and they need fuel.Use 1:1 sugar syrup to support growth until frames are drawn out.

7. Expect the Bees to Be Busy, Not Aggressive

Nuc colonies are usually calm, but expect lots of activity as they reorient and explore.Give them space and avoid checking too often early on.

8. Wait 5–7 Days Before Your First Inspection

Give the queen time to settle in and continue laying.Your first inspection should confirm:

• Queen is present

• Eggs/larvae are visible

• Frames are being drawn

• Bees are expanding naturally

9. Add a Second Box When ~70% of the First Box Is Full

Don’t add too much space too early.Once most frames have brood, nectar, pollen, or bees actively working them, it’s time for the next box.

10. Expect Strong Growth — But Be Patient

A nuc builds out much faster than a package, but it still takes time:

• 3–6 weeks for significant population growth

• Continuous feeding and seasonal management

• Steady inspections without over-managing

A well-installed nuc becomes a thriving hive with good care, gentle inspections, and proper feeding.