Mail order live bees
A fascinating topic! Mail-order live bees can be a great way to get started with beekeeping or to expand your apiary. Here's a rundown of what you need to know:
Why mail-order live bees?
- Convenience: You can get bees delivered right to your doorstep, saving you time and effort.
- Variety: Many mail-order bee suppliers offer a range of bee species, strains, and queen types, allowing you to choose the best fit for your climate, region, and beekeeping goals.
- Cost-effective: Buying bees in bulk or from a reputable supplier can be more cost-effective than purchasing from a local beekeeper or at a beekeeping association meeting.
Things to consider before ordering
- Check local regulations: Ensure that it's legal to keep bees in your area and comply with any local regulations regarding beekeeping.
- Climate and region: Choose a bee species and queen type that's well-suited to your climate and region.
- Experience level: If you're new to beekeeping, consider starting with a beginner-friendly bee species, like European honey bees (Apis mellifera).
- Nucleus colonies (nucs) vs. packages: Nucs typically contain a queen, brood, and a few thousand worker bees, while packages usually consist of a queen and 3-4 pounds of bees. Nucs are often more expensive but can be a better option for beginners.
- Queen quality: Look for suppliers that provide high-quality queens, as they're essential for the health and productivity of your bees.
Popular mail-order bee suppliers
- Mann Lake: A well-known supplier of bees, queens, and beekeeping equipment.
- Dadant & Sons: Offers a range of bee species, queens, and nucs, as well as beekeeping supplies.
- Brushy Mountain Bee Farm: Provides bees, queens, and nucs, as well as beekeeping equipment and advice.
- Honey Bee Suite: Offers bees, queens, and nucs, as well as beekeeping supplies and online courses.
- Local beekeeping associations: Many local beekeeping associations offer bee sales, so be sure to check with your local association for availability and prices.
Tips for receiving and installing your bees
- Plan ahead: Schedule your bee delivery well in advance to ensure you're prepared for the arrival of your bees.
- Prepare your equipment: Make sure you have the necessary beekeeping equipment, such as a hive, veil, and gloves.
- Install your bees safely: Follow proper installation procedures to ensure the health and safety of both you and your bees.
- Monitor and care for your bees: Regularly inspect your bees, provide adequate food and water, and take steps to prevent pests and diseases.
Remember to always prioritize bee health and safety when receiving and installing your mail-order live bees. Happy beekeeping!