The Various Ways of Buying Bees

I have been asked many times "I am interested in buying bees but what form do the bees arrive?" Because of this I thought a brief outline of the different ways that bees can be obtained would be helpful. The various formats are: a full colony, a package, a nucleus, a bee kit or swarm. I thought I would describe them in the order of purchase cost.

The first and most expensive purchase cost is the bee kit. This consists of a new hive including all the frames, combs and supers necessary complete with laying queen and worker bees. Guarantees are usually given that the bees are disease free, disease resistant and non-aggressive and they of a strain that provides quality honey. You may also be able to secure a buy back (not all the cost) clause in case you do not take to the hobby.

Next you take over a complete colony from a beekeeper that is retiring or down-sizing. Normally you will be able to see the hive in operation and also the current beekeeper will show you how to take care of and manage the hive. This is an ideal way for a starter but make sure that you fully check the beekeeper's reputation.

Next is to buy a good nucleus which contains a good quality queen, maybe marked or clipped. It should have all the stages of a bee brood and be free of any sign of disease. Usually has 3 frames with brood and 4 frames covered with honey plus 1 frame full of honey. Also look for a frame of pollen to act as a store. You will need to source the hive separately but make sure that everything is good and clean and has been properly sterilized to prevent any spread of disease.

A similar but cheaper method is to purchase a package of bees. This will contain a good queen, 1.5 to 2 kg of worker bees packed in a shipping container with sugar or candy as food. You need to supply the hive and this time you also need frames and combs. Again it is essential that you ensure that these are fully sterilized and completely free of any disease spores.

The cheapest method is to collect a swarm usually free, in fact people will pay for the swarm to be removed. But, I would not recommend a beginner even attempt this method. A swarm can be made up of aggressive and disease ridden bees and without experience cannot be handled successfully. A great hobby can be ended before it is started.

I hope that you are a little clearer and that another step towards being a successful beekeeper has not been thwarted by knowing the various methods of buying bees.

Ben Field has been keeping bees for many years and is now recognised as an expert. He has put together a website of information and articles to help all aspiring beekeepers. For more tips on buying bees or to gain access to his free course - '10 Essential Steps To Better Beekeeping' visit http://www.thebeekeepingcenter.com