New to Beekeeping? What are we talking about? – Here are some brief descriptions. Talk with experienced beekeepers for relevant additional information. – Get details when ordering from a supplier.
- Packages: A package contains 3 pounds of bees (about 10,000) and a mated queen isolated in a queen cage. Packages are shipped in, usually from southern states and may be available as early as April. Cost $125-$140 (Spring 2021). Often available before nucs, they are slower to get started. A few questions to ask suppliers:
- Are they 2 or 3 pound packages? (3 lb. is preferred)
- What is the origin of the package? (George, California, other)
- What race is the Queen? What is her origin?
- When will the package be available?
- Nucs: Nucleus Hives, Nucs, are small functioning colonies of bees, usually 5 deep-frames. There is a laying queen, brood at all stages, pollen and honey stores. Availability is often a bit later in the spring. Costs $180-$200 (spring 2021). Questions to ask.
- How many frames? 4 or 5?
- Is this an overwintered colony with its own overwintered queen, or created from other colonies and a fertilized queen added?
- What race is the queen?
- When is the last time they were treated for mites?
- When will they be available?
- Queens: There are occasions when a beekeeper may wish to introduce a new fertilized queen, usually later in the season. It is best if they have been bred “locally”. Indiana queens are usually not available until late spring. Cost $35-$50 (spring 2020). [Note: Colonies CAN NOT be started with only a queen].