What does a nuc of bees cost?
“£200 for a nuc does sound rather a lot of money, let alone £300 that I saw advertised last week.”
What do you get for your money?
- Five or six British Standard deep Hoffman frames with drawn comb, including healthy brood in all stages on at least three frames, plus stores and a laying queen (current or previous year).
- The seller’s experience in raising gentle, healthy and productive bees, and in preparing and managing the nuc.
- After-sales support, typically by phone or email.
- Some sellers will check your hive and transfer the nuc for you at their apiary.
- Others may deliver the nuc to your apiary and transfer it there.
- Some associations offer reduced-price nucs to beginners, though this can affect local supply.
- Prices are not fixed and vary with the market.
- Prices are highest in May and June and usually fall by August.
- A £200 nuc is roughly equivalent to about 25 lb of honey at £8 per lb. In a good season, a new beekeeper may recover this cost in the first year.
- For comparison, a nuc in 1978 cost £60, when honey was about £1.20 per lb.
- Alternatively, you may take a chance with a swarm in May or June, which may be free, but temperament and quality are unknown.
Where should I obtain a nuc?
- Conwy Beekeepers runs a matching service to connect buyers and sellers.
- We recommend buying locally raised bees.
- We do not recommend buying from online sellers or from outside the local area.
- A friend or mentor may be able to supply a nuc.
- We have healthy bees in North Wales and aim to keep it that way.
Updated May 2025