Do nucs come with a queen?
Yes. A nuc is sold as a functioning mini-colony and includes a mated, laying queen unless explicitly advertised otherwise. She will be accepted by the bees, with brood in all stages and stores present on delivery.
Next steps:
- Browse our full range: Nucleus Colonies for Sale (UK).
- Reserve early: Overwintered Nucs.
- See our queens (for requeening later): Mated Buckfast Queen.
- Learn seasonal management: Hive How-Tos.
- Related Q&A: What is the difference between a nuc and a full hive?
FAQs
Will the queen be marked?
Yes, all of our queens come marked with the colour of the year she was mated.
Can I request a specific strain?
We offer Buckfast and Carniolan lines—availability varies through the season.
Do I need to cage the queen on arrival?
No—she’s already accepted. Transfer calmly to the full hive when ready.