If you’re dreaming of harvesting your own sweet honey or helping pollinate your garden, buying honey bees is the first exciting step to becoming a beekeeper. But how do you buy honey bees? This guide will walk you through the different options, what to look for, and how to prepare for your buzzing new friends.
What Are Your Options for Buying Honey Bees?
When it comes to buying honey bees, you generally have three main choices:
– Package Bees
– Nucleus Colonies (Nucs)
– Established Colonies
Package Bees
A package of bees is the most common way to start. It usually contains about 3 pounds of young worker bees (around 12,000 bees), a young mated queen in a small cage, and a can of sugar syrup to keep them fed during transport. The bees come in a screened box and are shipped from breeders, often located in southern states, to your local post office. You’ll be notified to pick them up early in the morning, so be ready!
Package bees are great because they are bred specifically for beekeeping and give you a fresh start. However, they require feeding for about six weeks after installation to help them build comb and grow their population.
Nucleus Colonies (Nucs)
A nuc is a small, functioning colony that includes 4 to 5 frames of drawn comb filled with brood (baby bees), worker bees, food stores, and a laying queen. Nucs are often sold in 3-frame or 5-frame sizes, with 5-frame nucs being more popular for beginners.
Nucs give you a head start because the bees are already established with brood and comb. They usually require less feeding than package bees and can ramp up quickly.
Established Colonies
Sometimes hobbyist beekeepers sell their full-sized hives if they are downsizing or quitting. These colonies come with all the equipment and a mature queen. Buying an established colony can be convenient but requires careful consideration of the queen’s age and the hive’s health.
Where to Buy Honey Bees
Finding a reliable source for your bees is crucial. Here are some tips on where to look:
– Local Beekeepers and Associations: Your local beekeeping group is a great place to start. Experienced beekeepers can recommend trusted sellers or may have bees for sale themselves.
– Commercial Suppliers: There are reputable commercial breeders who ship package bees and nucs nationwide. Ordering early in the season (spring) is important because supplies can run out quickly.
– Online Marketplaces: You can find sellers online, but be cautious of scams or unhealthy colonies. Always follow up with a phone call or visit if possible before buying.
What to Consider Before Buying
Choose the Right Bee Race
Different honey bee races have different traits. Popular types include Italian, Carniolan, Caucasian, Buckfast, and Russian bees. Consider your local climate when choosing, as some bees handle cold or heat better than others.
Order Early
Beekeeping season usually starts in spring. Order your bees early to ensure availability and timely shipping. Most commercial shipments happen in April and May; shipping in hotter months can stress the bees.
Prepare Your Apiary
Have your hive equipment set up before your bees arrive. When you get the call that your bees are ready, you want to be able to install them immediately without scrambling.
Feeding Your New Bees
Newly installed bees, especially from packages, will need feeding to get established. Feeding helps them build comb and raise new bees who will eventually forage for nectar and pollen.
How to Buy Honey Bees: Step-by-Step
- Research: Learn about bee races and local conditions.
- Find a Supplier: Contact local beekeepers, associations, or commercial breeders.
- Place Your Order: Choose between packages, nucs, or established hives.
- Prepare Equipment: Set up your hive and gather tools.
- Pick Up Your Bees: Be ready to collect them quickly when notified.
- Install and Feed: Transfer bees into your hive and provide sugar syrup if needed.
- Monitor: Keep an eye on your bees as they settle in and grow.
Tips for a Smooth Purchase
– Buy from reputable sources to avoid unhealthy bees.
– Ask for a marked queen to easily identify her in the hive.
– Avoid last-minute orders; plan ahead.
– Consider joining a local beekeeping club for ongoing support.
Starting beekeeping by buying honey bees is an exciting journey. With the right preparation and knowledge, you’ll soon be enjoying the buzz of your own thriving hive.
Enjoy your beekeeping adventure and the sweet rewards it brings!