Beginning the journey into beekeeping requires careful planning. After securing the necessary physical equipment, the next step is acquiring the honey bee colony itself. This involves understanding the different formats bees are sold in, knowing the best time to purchase, and preparing for their safe installation. Successfully navigating the acquisition process sets the foundation for a productive and healthy apiary.
Understanding Colony Formats: Packages, Nucs, and Established Hives
New colonies are available in three formats, each offering a different starting point. A “package” of bees is a man-made swarm consisting of two to three pounds of worker bees and a caged queen in a screened box, but no comb or brood. This format is the least expensive and most widely available, often shipped long distances through the mail. Packaged bees must immediately begin building comb and establishing a cohesive colony structure, which leads to a higher risk of failure for beginners.
A “nucleus colony,” commonly called a “nuc,” offers a more advanced starting point. A nuc is a small, established colony, typically containing three to five frames with drawn comb, stored honey and pollen, and all stages of brood. Because the queen is already mated and laying eggs, a nuc requires less effort and has a higher success rate for new beekeepers. Nucs are more expensive than packages and are generally only available for local pickup, as they cannot be shipped.
The third option, an established full-size hive, is the most expensive and least common offering. This means purchasing a hive that has overwintered successfully and is already populated with a robust colony and drawn comb. While this gives the beekeeper a head start, potentially yielding honey in the first year, it is difficult to source and carries the risk of inheriting existing pest or disease issues.
Primary Sourcing Locations and Vendors
The decision of where to purchase bees directly impacts the health and success of the colony. Local beekeeping associations and specialized apiaries are the preferred sourcing locations for new beekeepers. Purchasing locally offers the advantage of acquiring bees whose genetics are adapted to the regional climate and forage, increasing their survival rate. Nucs are usually only available from these local sources, requiring direct pickup from the seller.
Online and large mail-order vendors are another option, particularly for package bees and queens, which are easier to ship. These companies often offer a wider variety of specific honey bee subspecies, such as Italian or Carniolan hybrids. The primary drawback of mail-order is the stress placed on the bees during transit, which can weaken the colony upon arrival. Shipping bees from a distant climate may mean they are not as well-suited to local conditions. Consulting a local beekeeping association is the best first step to find reputable sellers.
Essential Timing and Pre-Purchase Logistics
Timing is a factor in beekeeping, as the bees’ availability is tied to seasonal biology. Beekeepers should order their colonies well in advance, typically placing the order in late fall or early winter for spring delivery. This pre-order practice is necessary to secure the desired format, as suppliers often sell out by early spring. Delivery or pickup is scheduled for early spring, often in March or April, when daytime temperatures are consistently above 55°F (13°C) and local blooms are beginning.
The physical hive equipment must be fully assembled and placed in its permanent location before the bees arrive. The colony requires immediate installation into the waiting hive body upon arrival. Preparation also involves checking for local ordinances, as some regions require beekeepers to register their apiaries with a state or county agency. Finalizing all logistics ensures a smooth transition for the bees, minimizing stress and maximizing their chance of establishment.
Safe Handling and Installation Procedures
The period immediately following acquisition requires careful handling to ensure the colony accepts its new home. If the bees are transported by the beekeeper, secure the package or nuc to prevent shifting and maintain adequate ventilation. Temporary storage, if required, should be in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space, such as a garage, for no more than a day or two.
Installation involves gently transferring the bees into the permanent hive body. For package bees, the process involves removing the queen in her cage and hanging her inside the hive, then shaking the worker bees directly into the box. Nucs are installed by moving the existing frames, complete with comb and brood, directly into the larger hive body. Beekeepers should wear appropriate protective gear, including a veil and gloves, and handle the frames slowly to avoid crushing bees. Once installed, the bees should immediately be provided with a sugar syrup feed to support initial comb building and colony growth.