Hive and Nucleus Orders
Many of our customers have contacted us over the last couple of weeks regarding the current status of nuc and hive orders in regards to Covid-19. We fully intend to supply everyone who has ordered with us although we also understand that there will be some who are unable to collect due to their strict self-isolation due to underlying health conditions. For those who wish, to cancel, please be assured that you will not lose your deposit, we will make a full refund of all monies paid.
Historically we have recommended that our customers collect their nucs due to the welfare of the bees and in these unexpected times we find that this is even more important than ever. We do not want to put any additional pressure on our postal system who are already overrun with deliveries and working whilst understaffed. In addition to this, we want to minimise the amount of people handling the nucs to reduce any risk to you. We completely understand that collection is not an option to everyone, however we must keep in mind any changes to Royal Mail’s service due to their increased demand and each order will be considered with your circumstances in mind.
For those customers who have ordered hives, we also have a selection of hive parts available here in our web shop. These are limited in quantity and only available for our customers who have already ordered bees from us.
For those customers who have ordered hives, we also have a selection of hive parts available here in our web shop. These are limited in quantity and only available for our customers who have already ordered bees from us.
Our Collection Process
We will contact customers to arrange a convenient time and date for collection when they are ready. We ask that customers stick to their allocated collection date and time to avoid any overlap with other customers. When you come to collect your nuc from our Litchard Apiary, your nuc or hive will be in a shaded area, the exact location will be explained to you before your arrival. Proper social distancing measures will be enforced if for any reason we do have to meet face to face. Prior to arranging a collection, we will be sending out invoices for any remaining payments outstanding. Payments can be made via BACS transfer, credit / debit card or cash.
The best place to put your nuc is in the footwell of your car. The front and back of the correx box has small holes for ventilation and it is important that these are left uncovered to prevent the bees overheating. Hives should be placed into the boot of your car, but please take the parcel shelf/boot cover off to help with ventilation. You may also need a few items to hold the nuc or hive in place, ideally the item is not something that will hold a lot of warmth, for example, an empty box.
Where possible place the nuc with the frames parallel to you as this will reduce the risk of the frames rocking when braking sharply, the frames are quite snugly fit in the correx box, so it’s really just an extra precaution. It also goes without saying that you need to drive extra carefully whilst you have a box of bees in there with you!
Keep the bees cool, turn on your air con if you car has the facility, or drive with your windows down. Bees are hardy when it comes to the cold and can survive pretty low temperatures, the biggest risk is overheating during transport which is a very real possibility. Come prepared with a jumper if you’re sensitive to the cold.
We recommend that whilst you drive back, every now and then turn your radio/music down, if you hear your bees fanning their wings furiously this may be a sign that they are very hot. Pull over where you can safely, put your hand on all sides of the box to feel any indication of spots overheating, the temperature will be unmistakable.
You may need to change the position of the nuc in the car to ensure that they are getting proper ventilation. Check which side the sun is shining, make sure your bees are on the shady side of the car.
We Are Here For You
Although we are trying our best to avoid any physical encounters with our customers please know that if you are having trouble with the collection or transporting of your nuc or hive, either Dafydd or Richard will be able to guide you over the phone. Most of our customers collect their own bees and travel with them encountering no problems so we are confident that this year will be no different.
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