How to Install a Nucleus into a Hive

How to Install a Nucleus into a Hive Pretty much every beekeeper will at some point need to install a nucleus colony into a hive at some point in their beekeeping career. In this video, I show you a simple, foolproof technique for getting your bees out of their 'box' and into their new home. If you've just acquired a nucleus colony, or "nuc," you're on your way to establishing a new hive and building up your apiary. Installing a nuc into a beehive is a critical first step to setting up a healthy, productive colony. In this video, I’ll walk you through the entire process, from preparing your equipment to transferring the frames, and share some essential tips for giving your new bees the best start possible. What is a Nucleus Colony? A nucleus colony, commonly known as a "nuc," is a small but fully functional colony of bees that includes a queen, workers, brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae), and food stores (pollen and honey). Nucs are typically sold on 4-5 frames, making them an ideal choice for beginners or for beekeepers looking to expand their operation. Unlike package bees, a nuc is already a cohesive, working colony that only needs to be transferred into a full-sized hive to start growing. What You’ll Need to Install a Nuc Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary equipment ready: An empty hive body with frames (you’ll be adding the nuc frames to this) Protective gear for safe handling A smoker to help calm the bees if needed A hive tool to separate and handle the frames Feeder (optional but recommended for newly installed nucs) Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Nuc Prepare the Hive Location and Equipment: Choose a stable location with some shade and a water source nearby. Position your hive box, removing a few frames from the middle to make space for the nuc frames. Inspect the Nuc Before Transfer: When you open the nuc, take a moment to inspect the frames. Look for the queen, check for a good brood pattern, and make sure the bees have some stored pollen and honey. This is also a great opportunity to check for any signs of disease or pests. Transfer the Frames from the Nuc to the Hive: Gently transfer each frame one by one from the nuc box into the hive body. Start with the outermost frames and work inward, keeping the frames in the same order they were in within the nuc box. Handle the frames with care to avoid damaging brood or disturbing the queen. Add Extra Frames to Complete the Hive Box: Once the nuc frames are installed, fill the remaining space in the hive box with empty frames. This extra space allows your colony to expand and build new comb as they settle in. Close Up the Hive and Reduce the Entrance: After all frames are transferred and the hive is reassembled, place the lid on the hive. Reducing the entrance can help the bees defend their new home as they adjust to their surroundings, especially during their first few days. Feed Your New Colony if Necessary: Feeding a newly installed nuc can give them a boost, particularly if nectar flow is low or weather conditions are unpredictable. A simple sugar syrup feeder placed inside or on top of the hive can help your colony focus on building comb and expanding. Tips for a Successful Nuc Installation Install During Warm, Calm Weather: Ideally, install your nuc on a mild day when the weather is warm and stable. This will help reduce stress on the bees and give them a better chance of settling in smoothly. Minimize Disturbance After Installation: Give your new colony about a week to settle into their hive before conducting any in-depth inspections. During this time, they’ll be adjusting to the new environment, and excessive disruption can add stress. Monitor for Signs of Health and Growth: After a week, you can check back to see how the colony is expanding, if the queen is laying well, and if they’re storing food. A thriving colony will start filling frames with brood and food stores within the first few weeks. I am passionate about beekeeping and really enjoy helping beekeepers through our YouTube channel and bee mentoring programme! Want to get the VERY BEST out of your bees? Sign up today to join the programme: VIP Mentoring programme - https://www.blackmountainhoney.co.uk/beementoring Want Calm Bees? - https://www.blackmountainhoney.co.uk/calmqueenbees Starting Beekeeping? https://www.blackmountainhoney.co.uk/start-beekeeping Buy Queens - https://www.blackmountainhoney.co.uk/buy-queen-bees Buy Nucs - https://www.blackmountainhoney.co.uk/bee-nucs-for-sale Join Our Discord - https://discord.gg/ZHTvt3bmDR Please leave us a google review - https://g.page/r/CQmEwd_IOmnTEAg/review Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackmountainhoney Twitter - https://twitter.com/BlackMountHoney Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackmountain_honey/