Pricing
2027 Nucleus Colonies (Pre-order starting January 2027) …$TBA
2027 Replacement Queens (Pre-order starting January 2027) …$TBA
2026 Starter Colonies (Available May 2026) …$460
2026 Spring Nucs
The window for ordering 2026 Spring Nucs has closed. You may pre-order 2027 nucleus colonies beginning January 2027.
Nucleus colonies, or nucs, are small 5-frame colonies made by dividing existing colonies in the early spring. Each Nuc is given a queen cell and allowed to establish itself. When you receive your nuc, it will consist of 5 frames with a combination of brood, honey, and pollen. We only have a limited number of nucleus colonies available for spring 2026. These colonies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
More Information
2026 Replacement Queens
The window for ordering 2026 replacement queens has closed. You may pre-order 2027 replacement queens beginning Janurary 2027.
Replacing a hive’s queen every 2-3 years, or if the hive has swarmed and re-queened, can limit the risk of poorly mated queens which are prone to produce an abnormally large number of drones or fizzle out within a few months. Replacement queens are bred for beneficial traits and mated from a genetically diverse population to limit risk of poorly mated queens, which may occur in small apiaries with genetically similar colonies. With proper timing, replacement queens may also be used to force a split of a large overwintered colony.
Riteway Queen Shipping container. Courtesy of Mann Lake, LTD
2026 Starter Colonies
Parkton Bees and Honey has a limited number of starter colonies available for sale beginning May 2026.
Starter colonies are spring nucleus colonies which have been allowed to develop until they fill out two deep hive bodies. Starter colonies include a VSH Italian queen of not more than 2 years old, as well as a telescoping cover, bottom board, and inner cover. These hives will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once we sell out, they will not be available again until next year.
Delivery is available at a flat rate of $1 per mile.