5 Frame Nuc of Bees

Pre-Order Your Nucs for Spring 2025!
Secure your nuc now—limited stock available! First pick-up date: September 27, 2025. Couriered nucs will be shipped on September 30, 2025.

Nuc Pick-Up & Delivery Dates for 2025/26:

• September 27th Pick-Up | September 30th Courier (Arrives October 1st)

• October 25th Pick-Up | October 28th Courier (Arrives October 30th)

• November 22nd Pick-Up | November 24th Courier (Arrives November 26th)

• December 13th Pick-Up | December 15th Courier (Arrives December 17th)

• January 24th Pick-Up | January 26th Courier (Arrives January 28th)

Ceracell Nucleus Colony – What You Get:

Each Nucleus (Nuc) Colony includes:

• 5 frames of bees

• 2 frames of brood

• 3 frames of honey and pollen stores

• A laying queen

What is a Nucleus Colony?

A Nucleus Colony (or Nuc) is a small but growing bee colony. It contains just enough bees to support a single queen as she expands the colony. The term Nucleus comes from the similarity to a single living cell—hence, “Nuc” is short for Nucleus Hive.

Nucs are supplied as frames only, ready to be placed within an existing (empty) hive setup. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners, allowing new beekeepers to grow their confidence alongside their hive. For experienced beekeepers, Nucs offer an affordable way to expand hive numbers.

A Nuc is a more affordable entry point into beekeeping than a full 10-frame colony. However, it takes longer to develop into a full hive. A 5-frame Nuc typically contains around 5,000 bees, whereas a 10-frame colony has between 20,000 to 30,000 bees.

Why Are Nucs Only Available Seasonally?

Many new beekeepers want bees immediately, but bees follow seasonal growth cycles. During August, September, and early October, colonies are still recovering from winter. To create Nucs, we need our established colonies to grow strong enough for splitting. This is why Nucs are only available starting from the end of September.

Collection & Shipping Options:

We offer pick-up locations in the North Island and shipping for South Island customers.

? Pick-Up Locations (North to South):

• Ceracell Beekeeping Supplies – 23 Ra Ora Drive, East Tamaki, 2013

• 124b Plantation Road, Rangiriri, Waikato, 3782

Nationwide Shipping:

• North/South Island shipping to your address: $55.00 + GST per Nuc

• If you are picking up, please select the appropriate option at checkout.

Have questions? Send us a message or give us a call!

Registration Number: A8772