5 Frame Nuc Box Beehive Kit
A complete, fully assembled 5-frame nuc — a small working hive that's ideal for starting a captured swarm, housing a split from an existing colony, or holding a queen. Everything arrives built; just paint the outside and add bees.
What's included
- Bottom board
- Wooden entrance feeder with lid
- 5-frame deep nuc brood box
- 5 deep wooden frames with Premier Purecell double-waxed plastic foundation
- Inner cover
- Telescoping lid
How it works in real life
A nuc (nucleus colony) is a compact 5-frame hive used to get a new colony established. Hive a swarm or a split into it, and the smaller space helps a young colony keep brood warm and defend the entrance while it builds up. The included entrance feeder lets you feed syrup in spring to build them quickly, or during a summer or fall nectar shortage. As the colony grows and fills the frames, you transfer them into a full 8- or 10-frame hive. Because the whole kit ships assembled, you only need to paint the exterior before use.
Before you order
This is the complete assembled nuc kit — bottom board through telescoping lid — not a bare box. (If you want just the woodenware to assemble yourself, see our unassembled nuc box.) The foundation is Premier Purecell double-waxed plastic, which bees accept readily; choose black or white at checkout, with black making eggs and larvae easier to spot. The kit ships unpainted and does not include bees.
Pairs Well With
- 8 Frame Brood Chamber Kit (Assembled) — move your nuc up into a full hive
- Premier Purecell Foundation — spare double-waxed plastic foundation
- Unassembled Beehive Frames — extra wooden frames
Specifications
- Configuration: complete 5-frame deep nuc hive, assembled
- Includes: bottom board, entrance feeder with lid, nuc box, 5 deep frames with foundation, inner cover, telescoping lid
- Foundation: Premier Purecell double-waxed plastic (black or white)
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Finish: unpainted — paint exterior before use
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a complete hive?
Yes — it's a complete 5-frame nuc: bottom board, entrance feeder, nuc box, frames with foundation, inner cover, and telescoping lid, all assembled. Just paint and add bees.
How is this different from the unassembled nuc box?
This is the full, ready-to-use kit. The unassembled nuc box is just the woodenware for those who prefer to build and outfit it themselves.
What do I use a nuc for?
Starting a swarm or split, building up a small colony, or temporarily housing a queen. As it outgrows the 5 frames, move it into a full hive.
Does it include bees?
No — this is equipment only. Add your own swarm, split, or package.
