Hi Sue, My second nuc came from Bee Equipment (just started last year with a Nuc from County Durham) and
The BE ones built up nicely when i got them in June and filled out 2 deep boxes before winter. They weren't too bad
on a single deep and a super but a double deep brood box of them are a bit of a handful , to the point where Im looking to requeen them this year cause they follow you back to the house.
That said when they were in a single deep they were no trouble. So its swings and round abouts. Environmental factors such as pests, availability of forage, proximity to other hive and weather aswell as the time of day you inspect them can all affect temperament.
But don't let it put you off its a learning curve and the people on this forum are always willing to offer advice.
So good luck and try to enjoy it lol
I had never been stung by a bee till the day I picked up my first nuc.
The little sod got me right on the eyebrow (face stings hurt btw) when we were chatting in the garden.
I still payed the guy for them and iv made my first split this year and am keenly awaiting my next nuc from BE.
.........sometimes i wonder whether or not that first sting caused minor brain damage though cause ever since then I have remodeled my whole garden, built a shed to store equipment in , spent more money than I care to admit and been stung a few more time. Yet I still want more