Jane recently posted to BEE-L:
 
>Hi, I usually order nucs in the spring.  This year a beebuddy has told me
>about an outfit that sells 9-frame nucs. (I usually receive 4-frame ones.)
>They are the same price as many four-framers, and in one case cheaper.  Is
>this too good to be true (she asks with typical beekeeper's skepticism)?
>
>
>Weather report:  finally warmer; amazing nothern lights
>
>Cheers, Jane    "I bee; therefore I am."
>
 
Aw c'mon Jane - How the heck should we know??? Sure, it's
*possible* that someone is selling 9-frame nucs for the same
price others are selling 4-frame nucs. Some folks just aren't as
strongly driven by the profit motive!  The question I would ask
is what is the relative strength of the nuc - ie is the 9-framer
just a 4-framer with 5 extra frames of honey??? or are you really
getting a good distribution of brood, pollen & honey????
I would go visit the source, get a look at the apiary, and evaluate
the operation. If everything looks good, go for it!! I would also
consider the convenience of the various options - do you have to
drive very far to pick up your nuc???  A longer drive can easily offset
the cost of the "more expensive" nuc, especially if you consider that
time=money!
 
Good luck!
Rick Hough, Hamilton, MA, USA
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