Minnesota Overwintered Nuc, Carniolan Bees — Proven Survivor Stock
Minnesota Overwintered Nuc, Carniolan Bees — Proven Survivor Stock
Pre-order now for April 2026 pickup
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"Limited availability per pickup location"
Why Are Overwintered Nucs Better for Northern Climates?
These nucs didn't just survive a Minnesota winter — they thrived. That's genetics you can't buy from southern suppliers. Our overwintered nucs represent the gold standard for serious northern beekeepers who want colonies built to last.
What Makes Overwintered Nucs Special:
• PROVEN SURVIVORS — Made it through a real northern winter
• ADAPTED GENETICS — Selected by nature for cold climates
• STRONG SPRING COLONIES — Ready to explode when flowers bloom
• LOCAL STOCK — No shipping stress, no southern genetics struggling up north
What's Included:
• 5 deep frames of drawn comb
• Brood in all stages
• Honey and pollen stores
• Overwintered queen (unmarked) — proven survivor
• Strong worker bee population
• Cardboard nuc box for transport
Best For: Experienced beekeepers in cold climates who want premium genetics proven to overwinter successfully.
Price: $205.00
Limited Availability — These sell out fast.
Questions? Call (701) 809-0153
Pickup Schedule (Tentative)
Wave 1: April 16–19
WY • SD • MN (Twin Cities & south of I-94)
Wave 2: April 29 – May 3
ID • MT • ND • MN (Twin Cities & north of I-94)
(You’ll receive your exact pickup date and location details by email)
Payment Options
- Pay in full by credit card at checkout
- Cash-on-delivery available (50% deposit required by February 28, 2026 )
- $5 discount for all cash payments
To pay the deposit by check or venmo, use coupon code 'AllCash' which will discount your order by 100% and we will be in touch to collect the deposit. To pay your 50% deposit now by card, use coupon code 'Half Cash'.
🐝 Northern Climate Beekeeping Data
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Zone 3a – Zone 4b |
| Winter Survival | Exceptional — Survived Minnesota Winter, Proven Hardy |
| Spring Buildup | Outstanding — Already Building Up When Delivered |
| Temperament | Very Gentle — Winter-Tested Docile Stock |
| Honey Production | High — Full-Strength Colonies Ready for First Flows |
| Mite Resistance | Freeze Kill Tested, VSH Verified & Winter-Selected for Mite Resistance |
| Genetic Source | Minnesota Overwintered — Strongest Survivors of Northern Winter Selection |
| Selection Program | 8+ Years in Selective Breeding Program (Est. 2018) |
| Recommended For | Experienced Beekeepers in Zones 3–4 Seeking Maximum Survival Genetics |
💡 Darin's Expert Advice
"These are the cream of the crop — Carniolan colonies that have already proven they can survive a Minnesota winter. That's the ultimate field test for northern climate genetics. Carniolans are naturally conservative with winter stores, and the ones that make it through are the tightest-clustering, most efficient colonies in our program. When you install one of these in late April or early May, you're getting a colony that's already ramping up with a proven queen, strong brood pattern, and the survival genetics that got it through -30°F and beyond. If you're a Zone 3–4 beekeeper who's had trouble with winter losses and you want the breed that's built for extreme cold efficiency, an overwintered Carniolan nuc is my highest recommendation."
📋 Data verified by Darin, owner of Little Apiary on the Prairie — 8+ years breeding bees for USDA Zones 3b–7a.
📞 Questions? Call (701) 809-0153