What would you do?

**Buzzen** · 03-09-2011, 08:32 AM

The guy I am getting my packages from is going to Ca. end of the month to move his bees. He is planning on bringing my packages end of April. He offered to take a couple of my boxes and set them up there,when he goes so I get a month headstart of when i would have got the packages here. Should be like getting a couple nucs instead of packages. I did want to hive the packages since I've never done it before, but I like the idea of having comb and brood etc already started when i get them. Not sure what to tell him. Which would be the best for a new guy with no experience?

**D Coates** · 03-09-2011, 08:52 AM

Personally, I'd have him do it. It's not that it's hard to do though. When I first started, one of my two packages didn't take. If one fails, it will be obvious to him and he'll know it and can do something about it. He can't deliver bees that are not functioning as a hive and expect to get paid. Assuming everything goes well, your bees will be a month ahead of the curve. Being a new beekeeper working with nucs is not a bad thing. Nucs are normally calm and fully functioning and your queen has already been accepted. In hindsite I wish I would have started with nucs.

**Growing Boy** · 03-09-2011, 08:56 AM

Experience is a good thing but you will probably have a few more chances at that.
I'd go with the head start myself.

**Schoon** · 03-09-2011, 10:01 AM

Go with the nucs.

**Solomon Parker** · 03-09-2011, 10:15 AM

I would have him do it.

Hiving packages is not a vital skill that needs to be learned first hand. Having hives ready to start work is a huge benefit.

You can always get more packages, you can't always have ready made hives show up on your door step.

**Pink Cow** · 03-09-2011, 10:51 AM

There were lots of reports here and at other forums last year about packages absconding. One more reason to go with established colonies.

**Buzzen** · 03-09-2011, 08:09 PM

I think you guys are right......A month could make a world of difference in my area. Good point about it being a functioning hive when it arrives. I'm going to have him do it.

**fatscher** · 03-09-2011, 08:12 PM

While nucs make sense...I will admit that hiving a package is a blast. It's not a good choice for the bees, but for human amusement, you cannot beat it, imho.

**StevenG** · 03-09-2011, 08:48 PM

How many packages are you talking about? When I started, was with packages, a long time ago... there's nothing like watching and learning as a colony gets established, and following their development from package to full-blown hive. I've done nucs and packages since, and there are distinct advantages to the nuc. But then again, you get to see a colony start from scratch with a package.
Since you're getting more than one, for the experience, have him bring one package, the rest nucs? Just a thought, and it's worth exactly what you paid for it.

Then again, might be more trouble than it's worth, to you and him.
Regards,
Steven