5-Frame Nucleus Colonies (Nucs) for Sale in Pennsylvania

5-Frame Nucleus Colonies (Nucs)

Italian / Carniolan Mix
Local Pickup Only — Chester County, PA

Build a strong, fast-growing colony with 5-frame nucleus colonies (nucs) from Exton Bee Company, prepared for local spring installation in southeastern Pennsylvania. Each nuc contains an established, queen-right colony with brood, food stores, and drawn comb — providing a significant head start compared to package bees.

Nucs are ideal for beekeepers who want earlier strength, faster buildup, and reduced startup risk.

 

What Is a Nuc?

A nucleus colony, commonly called a nuc, is a small, established honey bee colony used to start a new hive or make splits. Unlike package bees, nucs already contain a functioning social structure and active brood.

Each 5-frame nuc includes:

• An actively laying, mated queen

• Brood in multiple stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae)

• Drawn comb

• Food stores (honey and/or pollen)

Because the colony is already established, nucs typically build strength faster and more reliably than packages.

 

Why Choose a Nuc Instead of a Package?

Many beekeepers prefer nucs because:

• The queen is already accepted and laying

• Brood is present from day one

• Comb is already drawn

• Colonies expand more quickly

• Less early intervention is usually required

Nucs are often recommended for:

• New beekeepers seeking an easier first season

• Beekeepers focused on early population growth

• Anyone looking to reduce early-season risk

 

Why Choose Exton Bee Company Nucs?

Local Pickup = Healthier Colonies

We do not ship nucs. All nucs are distributed by local pickup only, minimizing transport stress and allowing colonies to remain intact and settled through spring installation.

Selected for Pennsylvania Conditions

Our nucs feature an Italian / Carniolan mix, selected for:

• Gentle temperament

• Strong spring buildup

• Efficient foraging

• Proven performance in Mid-Atlantic climates

This balance works well for both new and experienced beekeepers.

Prepared, Working Colonies

Each nuc is:

• Queen-right

• Actively laying

• Inspected prior to pickup

• Ready for direct transfer into your equipment

You receive a working colony, not loose bees.

 

Queen Identification (Important Note) 

Queens provided with nucs are unmarked. This is standard practice for our nucleus colonies and allows us to focus on colony strength, brood quality, and overall health during the early spring buildup.

 

Pickup & Installation Timing

Nucs are available by scheduled spring pickup, timed to align with:

• Stable spring weather

• Active brood rearing

• Early nectar availability

Pickup details and handling instructions are provided prior to arrival.

 

Installing & Caring for Your Nuc

• Transfer frames gently into a prepared hive

• Maintain original frame order

• Feed lightly if nectar flow is limited

• Monitor brood expansion and queen activity

Most nucs begin expanding immediately under favorable conditions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a nuc different from a package?
A nuc is an established colony with brood, food, and drawn comb. A package includes loose bees and a caged queen. Nucs typically build strength faster and more reliably.

Are your nucs queen-right?
Yes. All nucs include a mated, actively laying queen.

Are queens marked?
Queens in nucs are provided unmarked.

Do you ship nucs?
No. All nucs are available by local pickup only.

Are nuc quantities limited?
Yes. Nuc availability is limited each season and depends on colony strength and spring conditions.

​

Ready to buy?  Click here to start your order.