Product Overview
2027 Saskatraz Hybrid 5-Frame Nucleus Colony – Iowa Pickup
NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR SPRING 2027!
IOWA PICKUP ONLY – EAST PERU, IOWA. THIS PRODUCT CANNOT BE SHIPPED.
Give your beekeeping season a strong start with a 2027 Saskatraz Hybrid 5-Frame Nuc from Lappe's Bee Supply & Honey Farm!
Whether you're starting your first beehive, replacing a colony lost over winter, or expanding your apiary, a nucleus colony offers an established group of honey bees with drawn comb, brood, and a laying queen.
Our Saskatraz Hybrid nucs are an option for beekeepers interested in productive honey bee genetics and the convenience of starting with an established nucleus colony rather than a loose package of bees.
What's Included with Your Saskatraz Hybrid Nuc?
Your Saskatraz Hybrid nucleus colony is a 5-frame starter colony with a marked queen.
- Five frames: An established nucleus colony on frames that can be transferred into compatible hive equipment.
- Marked queen: A marked queen helps make locating her during hive inspections easier.
- Worker bees: An established population of bees to care for the colony.
- Brood: Developing honey bees that contribute to continued colony growth.
- Drawn comb: Existing comb that provides a head start compared with a package installed on undrawn foundation.
- Food resources: Stored food on the frames, with the amount varying according to colony conditions.
Important: The exact amount and distribution of brood, bees, and stored food will vary naturally from colony to colony.
Why Choose Saskatraz Hybrid Honey Bees?
Saskatraz honey bees originate from a selective breeding program developed in Saskatchewan, Canada. The program has emphasized traits such as honey production, colony strength, wintering ability, and desirable characteristics associated with Varroa mite management.
Saskatraz Hybrid colonies may appeal to beekeepers looking for a combination of productive honey bee genetics and established colony development.
Honey Production Potential
Honey production has been an important consideration in Saskatraz breeding programs. With suitable forage, healthy colony development, and proper management, Saskatraz Hybrid colonies can develop into productive honey-producing hives.
Actual honey production depends on nectar availability, weather, colony health, and beekeeper management.
Colony Development
A 5-frame nucleus colony already contains drawn comb, developing brood, and an established group of worker bees.
This can give your bees a head start when compared with installing a package into a completely new hive.
Varroa Mite Management
Varroa-related traits have been among the considerations in Saskatraz breeding programs. However, no individual Saskatraz Hybrid nuc is guaranteed to be resistant to Varroa mites.
All beekeepers should continue monitoring mite populations and maintaining an appropriate spring and fall Varroa management program.
2027 Saskatraz Hybrid Nuc Pickup Information
Pickup Location: Lappe's Bee Supply & Honey Farm, East Peru, Iowa.
Pickup Season: Spring 2027.
Pickup scheduling information will be provided as the arrival and availability of our 2027 nucleus colonies are confirmed.
Please provide an accurate email address when placing your order and monitor your email for pickup instructions.
Do not arrive for pickup until you have received your scheduled pickup information.
Pickup dates may change due to weather, colony development, and other circumstances affecting live honey bees.
Preparing for Your Saskatraz Hybrid Nuc
We recommend having your beehive assembled and ready before picking up your nucleus colony.
Before pickup, make sure you have:
- A compatible hive body with frames and foundation.
- A sturdy hive stand and suitable apiary location.
- Appropriate protective beekeeping equipment.
- A hive tool and smoker.
- A suitable water source.
- A feeder and feeding plan if supplemental feeding becomes necessary.
Installing Your Nucleus Colony
When you arrive home, place your nuc in a suitable location and follow the provided transfer instructions.
Transfer the frames carefully into your prepared hive, keeping the brood frames together and maintaining their original orientation.
Avoid unnecessarily disturbing the queen or brood during installation.
Monitor colony development, food availability, and the need for additional space as the colony grows.
Transporting Your Live Honey Bees
Live honey bees must be transported carefully.
Keep your nuc secure, upright, properly ventilated, and protected from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Never leave live bees unattended in a hot vehicle or enclosed space without adequate airflow.
Travel directly to your apiary whenever possible and have your hive equipment ready before pickup.
Important Live Bee Policies
All Saskatraz Hybrid nuc purchases are subject to Lappe's Bee Supply's applicable live bee terms, pickup requirements, cancellation policies, and guarantee conditions.
Please review our Package Bees & Nucs Terms & Conditions before placing your order.
By purchasing this live bee product, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the applicable terms and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saskatraz Hybrid Nucs
What is a Saskatraz Hybrid nuc?
A Saskatraz Hybrid nuc is a small, established honey bee colony headed by a Saskatraz Hybrid queen. A nucleus colony includes bees, drawn comb, brood, and food resources on its frames.
How is a nuc different from a package of bees?
A package generally contains loose worker bees and a caged queen without frames of brood or drawn comb. A nuc already has an established colony structure with frames, brood, and a queen.
Does my Saskatraz Hybrid nuc include a marked queen?
Yes. This listing is for a 5-frame Saskatraz Hybrid nuc with a marked queen.
Can this nuc be shipped?
No. This product is available for local pickup only at Lappe's Bee Supply in East Peru, Iowa.
When will the 2027 Saskatraz Hybrid nucs be ready?
Pickup is planned for Spring 2027. Specific dates depend on colony readiness, weather, and availability. Customers will receive pickup information by email.
Are Saskatraz Hybrid bees suitable for beginners?
A nuc can be a practical starting option for new beekeepers because it already contains an established group of bees, drawn comb, brood, and a queen. Beginners should still learn proper inspections, feeding, and colony health management.
Are Saskatraz Hybrid bees resistant to Varroa mites?
Saskatraz breeding programs have emphasized desirable colony traits, including Varroa-related characteristics. However, resistance is not guaranteed, and regular mite monitoring and appropriate management remain necessary.
Where do I pick up my bees?
Pickup takes place at Lappe's Bee Supply & Honey Farm in East Peru, Iowa. Please wait for your scheduled pickup instructions before arriving.
Reserve Your 2027 Saskatraz Hybrid Nuc Today!
Prepare for the upcoming beekeeping season with a 2027 Saskatraz Hybrid 5-Frame Nucleus Colony with Marked Queen from Lappe's Bee Supply.
SPRING 2027 – IOWA PICKUP ONLY!
Questions about your order? Contact us at [email protected].
