Buying Honey Bees: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Apiary

Buying Honey Bees: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Apiary

Introduction

Purchasing honey bees is the first and most crucial step in starting a beekeeping venture. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced beekeeper looking to expand your apiary, selecting the right bees and understanding the buying process is essential. This guide explores everything you need to know about buying honey bees, from choosing the right species and sources to transporting and introducing them into your hive successfully.

Why Buying Honey Bees is Important

Honey bees play a vital role in pollination and honey production. Acquiring the right bees ensures a strong, productive colony, leading to higher honey yields and healthier bee populations. Understanding the options available and making an informed decision will set the foundation for a successful beekeeping journey.

Types of Honey Bees for Sale

When buying honey bees, selecting the right species and strain is critical. The most common honey bee species available for beekeepers include:

1. Italian Honey Bees (Apis mellifera ligustica):

   • Gentle temperament
   • Excellent honey producers
   • Strong resistance to diseases
   • Moderate swarming tendency

2. Carniolan Honey Bees (Apis mellifera carnica):

   • Well-adapted to colder climates
   • Less prone to robbing behavior
   • Expands colony population quickly in spring
   • Higher likelihood of swarming if not managed

3. Russian Honey Bees:

   • High resistance to Varroa mites and diseases
   • Can survive in harsh climates
   • More defensive than Italian bees
   • Requires experience to manage properly

4. Buckfast Bees:

   • Hybrid species known for high productivity
   • Strong resistance to disease
   • Less aggressive than other breeds
   • May not be as widely available

5. Africanized Honey Bees:

   • Highly defensive and aggressive
   • Not recommended for beginners
   • Superior adaptability to hot climates
   • High honey production but challenging to manage

Where to Buy Honey Bees

There are several options for purchasing honey bees, each with its advantages and considerations.

1. Local Beekeepers and Apiaries

• Best source for acclimated bees
• Direct access to advice and guidance
• Lower transportation stress

2. Online Bee Suppliers

• Convenient and accessible
• Can order bees from top-rated breeders
• Shipping conditions must be carefully managed

3. Beekeeping Associations and Clubs

• Access to trusted suppliers
• Potential discounts for members
• Community support for beekeeping success

4. Bee Farms and Specialized Breeders

• Offers high-quality, selectively bred bees
• Greater variety of bee strains
• May have higher costs due to specialized breeding

Different Methods of Buying Honey Bees

Bees are sold in different forms, and choosing the right one depends on your beekeeping goals and experience level.

1. Package Bees

• Contains 2-5 pounds of worker bees and a caged queen
• Ideal for new hive installations
• Requires time for colony establishment
• Available early in the season

2. Nucleus Colonies (Nucs)

• Includes a small colony with a mated queen, brood, and drawn comb
• Faster colony development
• More expensive than package bees
• Less risk of queen rejection

3. Full Colonies

• Complete hive setup with bees, frames, and a working queen
• Immediate productivity
• Most expensive option
• Requires transportation and hive setup experience

4. Swarm Traps and Catching Wild Swarms

• Free method of acquiring bees
• Unpredictable availability
• Requires knowledge and skill in swarm catching
• Potentially unknown genetic background and temperament

Factors to Consider Before Buying Honey Bees

To ensure a successful purchase, consider the following factors:

1. Climate Adaptation: Choose bees that thrive in your local environment.
2. Disease Resistance: Look for healthy bees from reputable breeders.
3. Hive Type Compatibility: Ensure bees are suitable for your hive setup.
4. Bee Temperament: Consider gentle bees if you are a beginner.
5. Availability and Timing: Order bees in advance, as demand is high during the spring.

Transporting Honey Bees Safely

Once purchased, transporting honey bees safely is crucial to their well-being and survival.

1. Keep the Bees Cool and Ventilated: Avoid excessive heat and ensure airflow.
2. Minimize Disturbance: Avoid unnecessary shaking or movement.
3. Transport During Early Morning or Late Evening: Cooler temperatures reduce bee stress.
4. Have Protective Gear Ready: Be prepared for any unexpected disturbances.
5. Place Bees in a Shaded Area Upon Arrival: Allow them to settle before installation.

Installing Purchased Bees in a Hive

Proper installation ensures a smooth transition and colony establishment.

1. Prepare the Hive: Set up frames, foundations, and feeding stations in advance.
2. Introduce the Queen: If using package bees, place the queen cage in the hive for gradual acceptance.
3. Release the Bees: Gently shake bees into the hive or let them enter naturally.
4. Provide Initial Feeding: Offer sugar syrup to aid in colony establishment.
5. Monitor Colony Progress: Check for brood development and queen acceptance after a few days.

Common Challenges When Buying Honey Bees

Despite careful planning, beekeepers may face challenges:

• Queen Rejection: Bees may reject the introduced queen; requeening may be necessary.
• Shipping Stress: Transported bees may experience stress and higher mortality rates.
• Environmental Adjustment: New bees take time to acclimate to their surroundings.
• Predators and Pests: Protect hives from common threats like ants, birds, and mites.

Cost of Buying Honey Bees

Prices vary based on bee type, supplier, and location. General costs include:

• Package Bees: $305-$315 per package
• Nucleus Colonies: $268- $360 per nuc
• Full Colonies: $400 - $600 per colony
• Queen Bees Only: $48 - $80 per queen

Best Practices for a Successful Purchase

To ensure a smooth buying process and a thriving colony, follow these best practices:

1. Order Early: Suppliers sell out quickly in spring.
2. Choose Reputable Suppliers: Ensure healthy, disease-free bees.
3. Inspect Bees Upon Arrival: Check for signs of disease or excessive dead bees.
4. Provide a Proper Hive Setup: Have everything ready before bees arrive.
5. Continue Learning: Join beekeeping associations for support and education.

Conclusion

Buying honey bees is a critical step in beekeeping, requiring careful consideration of species, suppliers, and hive integration. By selecting the right bees, following safe transportation methods, and properly installing them into a hive, beekeepers can establish strong, productive colonies. With the right knowledge and preparation, purchasing honey bees can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, leading to a thriving apiary and successful honey production. See our live honey bees here!