The Ultimate Guide to Buying Queen Bees for Sale
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Queen Bees for Sale
Queen bees are the backbone of any honey bee colony. Whether you’re a beginner beekeeper or managing a large apiary, purchasing high-quality queen bees is crucial for hive health, productivity, and longevity. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the importance of queen bees, where to buy them, different types available, and best practices for introducing a new queen to a colony.
Why the Queen Bee is Essential
The queen bee plays a vital role in the colony’s survival. Her main responsibilities include:
- Laying eggs: A healthy queen lays up to 2,000 eggs per day during peak seasons.
- Colony cohesion: She produces pheromones that regulate the behavior of worker bees.
- Genetic influence: The queen determines the traits of future generations, including temperament, honey production, and disease resistance.
Without a strong and healthy queen, a hive will struggle to survive, making it essential for beekeepers to monitor and replace queens when necessary.
Types of Queen Bees for Sale
1. Italian Queen Bees (Apis mellifera ligustica)
Italian queens are among the most popular choices due to their:
- Gentle temperament
- Strong honey production
- Adaptability to various climates
- Resistance to common diseases
2. Carniolan Queen Bees (Apis mellifera carnica)
Carniolan queens are favored for:
- Their ability to thrive in colder climates
- Strong defensive behavior against pests
- Rapid population expansion in spring
- Efficient use of resources
3. Russian Queen Bees
Russian queens offer unique advantages, including:
- High resistance to Varroa mites
- Adaptability to harsh climates
- Strong overwintering ability
- Moderate honey production
4. Buckfast Queen Bees
Developed by Brother Adam, Buckfast queens are known for:
- Excellent disease resistance
- High productivity and longevity
- Low swarm tendencies
- Gentle behavior
5. Saskatraz Queen Bees
A newer hybrid breed developed in Canada, Saskatraz queens are valued for:
- High honey production
- Strong resistance to pests and diseases
- Ability to overwinter in harsh conditions
- Controlled temperament
Where to Buy Queen Bees
1. Local Beekeepers and Apiaries
Purchasing queen bees from a local beekeeper is beneficial because:
- The queens are already acclimated to local conditions.
- You can inspect the bees before purchase.
- Reduced stress from transportation.
2. Online Beekeeping Suppliers
Many online retailers ship queen bees directly to beekeepers. Some reputable suppliers include:
- Mann Lake Ltd
- Kelley Beekeeping
- Betterbee
- Dadant & Sons
3. Beekeeping Associations and Clubs
Joining a beekeeping association can help you find reliable queen bee suppliers and gain access to mentorship and resources.
Factors to Consider When Buying Queen Bees
1. Breed Suitability
Choose a queen breed that matches your local climate, beekeeping goals, and hive temperament.
2. Queen’s Age and Mating Status
Ensure you are buying a mated queen (one that has successfully mated and started laying eggs) rather than an unmated queen, which requires time to establish a hive.
3. Queen Health and Genetic Quality
Buy from reputable suppliers that offer disease-free, high-quality queens with desirable traits such as disease resistance and productivity.
4. Shipping and Handling
If ordering online, ensure the supplier uses safe shipping methods, including temperature-controlled packaging and quick delivery.
How to Introduce a New Queen to a Hive
Introducing a new queen to a colony must be done carefully to ensure acceptance and prevent rejection.
Step 1: Assess the Hive’s Condition
- Ensure the hive is queenless before introducing a new queen.
- Remove any emergency queen cells if they are present.
Step 2: Use a Queen Introduction Cage
- Most queens are shipped in a cage with a few attendant bees.
- The cage has a candy plug that worker bees chew through over several days, allowing gradual introduction.
Step 3: Observe the Hive’s Behavior
- Watch for signs of aggression towards the cage. If bees are aggressively biting the cage, delay release.
- If the bees calmly walk over the cage, the colony is more likely to accept the queen.
Step 4: Release the Queen
- Once worker bees have chewed through the candy plug, the queen will be released naturally.
- Inspect the hive within 5-7 days to confirm she is laying eggs.
Common Problems and Solutions
1. The Hive Rejects the New Queen
- If worker bees attack or ball the queen, she may be rejected.
- Reintroduce the queen in her cage for a longer period or try a different queen.
2. The Queen Stops Laying Eggs
- Stress, malnutrition, or hive disturbances can cause a queen to stop laying.
- Ensure the hive has enough food resources and a calm environment.
3. Swarming Behavior After Queen Introduction
- Some colonies may attempt to swarm even after accepting a new queen.
- Regular inspections and swarm prevention techniques can help control this behavior.
Conclusion
Purchasing a queen bee is one of the most important decisions in beekeeping. Selecting the right breed, finding a reputable supplier, and following proper introduction techniques will help ensure a successful and productive hive. Whether you choose Italian, Carniolan, Russian, Buckfast, or Saskatraz queens, investing in high-quality queens is key to a thriving colony.