Buy Zander nucs – regional and nationwide

Many beekeepers search for "buy Zander nucs locally" because they want short distances and direct contacts. That is an understandable wish – but in practice, what matters most is that delivery and scheduling suit the season and that the nucleus colony has been properly prepared.

Bienenzucht-Profi has apiaries in several German federal states and can therefore operate as a regional supplier. At the same time, we deliver nationwide by certified express shipping – so you get a Zander nucleus colony of consistent quality wherever you are based.

In Bavaria, Zander is one of the dominant sizes – beekeepers around Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg and Regensburg have relied on the Zander size for decades. In Baden-Württemberg – from Stuttgart through Freiburg to Heidelberg – Zander is also strongly represented, as it is in Hesse (Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Kassel).

In North Rhine-Westphalia – Germany's largest beekeeping region – the Zander community is growing, particularly in the associations around Düsseldorf, Cologne, Dortmund and Münster. In Lower Saxony (Hanover, Braunschweig, Oldenburg), Zander has a solid base, and there are also active Zander beekeeping operations in Saxony, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg and the city states of Berlin, Hamburg and Bremen. We deliver just as reliably to Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.

Zander bee colonies – breeds compared

The Zander size is independent of breed – you can work with any common bee breed on Zander. Your choice of breed depends on your management method, your location and your personal goals.

Carnica is one of the most popular breeds on the Zander size in Germany and Austria. It impresses with its calm behaviour on the comb, rapid spring build-up and good adaptation to changeable weather conditions. For beekeepers who work with Zander and value gentle colonies, Carnica is often the first choice.

Buckfast is becoming increasingly popular on Zander – especially among beekeepers who put performance, vitality and targeted line breeding first. Buckfast colonies on Zander often develop strongly and benefit from the well-proportioned brood chamber of the Zander size.

The Dark Bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) on Zander is aimed at beekeepers with a focus on the European genetic heritage and particular robustness in difficult weather conditions. It is the original bee of Central and Northern Europe and is valued in conservation breeding projects and regional programmes.

Ligustica on Zander is an option for beekeepers who rely on rapid colony build-up and high brood activity. At Bienenzucht-Profi, all four breeds are available on the Zander size – to the same quality standards (5 frames, laying queen, health certificate available), whichever breed you choose.

Zander 1.5 (one-and-a-half size) – the tall brood chamber size

In addition to the classic Zander size, Bienenzucht-Profi also offers Zander 1.5 (Zander one-and-a-half size). The Zander 1.5 size uses taller frames than the standard size, creating a larger brood chamber in a single box. This can make sense if you prefer a management method with fewer brood boxes or if you want to offer your colonies more continuous brood space.

Zander 1.5 is particularly interesting for beekeepers who want to benefit from a single-box brood chamber – fewer boxes mean less weight to lift and simpler inspections. At the same time, the taller size requires an adapted hive designed for Zander 1.5. The colonies and nucleus colonies on Zander 1.5 at Bienenzucht-Profi are put together to the same standard as the classic Zander colonies.

Frequently asked questions – buying a Zander bee colony

How many frames should a Zander nucleus colony have?

A nucleus colony on 5 frames (3 brood, 1 food, 1 to draw out) has the best starting point for rapid development. Fewer frames mean slower growth and a higher risk during spells of bad weather. We recommend at least 5 frames for a successful start.

Which mating options are available for a Zander bee colony?

At Bienenzucht-Profi you can get Zander colonies with mating-station mating (standard), mating-station mating with certificate or island mating – depending on your goals. Mating-station mating offers controlled drone lines, island mating the highest level of genetic definition.

Will a Zander colony automatically fit any Zander hive?

Yes, provided the frame size is strictly adhered to. The standard size is Top bar 477 mm / Bottom bar 420 mm / Height 220 mm. Make sure the stated dimensions for hive and colony match – then there will be no surprises when hiving.

Which breed is particularly well suited to Zander?

Zander works with all common breeds. Carnica and Buckfast are chosen most often, but Ligustica and Dark Bee are also good choices, depending on your objectives. At Bienenzucht-Profi, all four breeds are available on Zander.

What is Zander 1.5 (one-and-a-half size) and when does it make sense?

Zander 1.5 is a taller brood chamber size with larger frames. It makes sense if you prefer a taller brood chamber in one box or are planning a management method with fewer brood boxes. At Bienenzucht-Profi, Zander 1.5 colonies are also available.

Are there instructions for hiving my Zander bee colony?

Yes, Bienenzucht-Profi provides a recommendation and instructions on how to handle your Zander bee colony on arrival – from unpacking and hiving to the first checks, which strengthen the start and development of your bees.

Does Bienenzucht-Profi also deliver Zander colonies to Austria?

Yes, we also ship Zander bee colonies gently to Austria by certified live-animal shipping. The packaging is designed for transporting live animals, and a health certificate is available.

Can I freely choose the bee breed for a Zander colony?

Yes, at Bienenzucht-Profi you can order your Zander colony in Carnica, Buckfast, Ligustica or Dark Bee – all on the same Zander size (Top bar 477 mm / Bottom bar 420 mm / Height 220 mm). Your hive system stays the same; only the genetics vary.