bender,
obviously not Miles, but if not mistaken a "nuc" is a nuclear hive. Basically a jump start. The places I see them listed don't ship them like the do the package of bees. My guess would be that as they are bigger, likely contain frames with brood already, your hive will get a much faster start than just getting a 3lb package with a queen that starts laying when you install it in your box.
I picked up a hive box today. Bottom, 2 brood boxes, and a lid, all that need cleaned up. I'll order bees tomorrow, along with some foundations. If I can't get bees this year, I'll be set up for next year.
Geno
