Each wintertime , beekeepers across the nation place early order for their bees . They choose either a nucleus colony ( called a “ nuc ” ) or a package of bee . These starter hives are in such eminent demand that reservations fill up quickly from the most reputable stock breeder . But how does a beginning apiarist know who to buy from ? And what should you ask when buying bees ?
As a beginning apiarist , starting with healthy bee of the right stock is crucial . Any beekeeper will tell you that genetic science are substantive to success . Several breeds of bees develop love , and they ’re bred for docility as well as honey production . Good genetics think your bees will start off right — they’ve been breed to be healthy and hardy , and to fight varroa tinge . Finding bee with good “ subsister stock ” genetics means the bees will overwinter class to class in your region with winner and heartiness .
How Do You Find Such Healthy, Happy Bees?
When buying bees , check your orbit for bee breeders and bee house that make other springtime tear and sell nucleus colonies . For father , “ nucs ” are the easiest choice . You might pay a piece more for a nuc , but it will come establish : A core settlement has a mated pouf , already place , on three to five shape of brood in various level of growth . You require only to move the bees and anatomy into the beehive you ’ll have and monitor their growth .
Why Start Local?
Most beekeeping suppliers wo n’t ship cell nucleus colonies . The risk is too great of offend the fairy and the finespun brood . buy bees from a local apiary means you have whole “ survivor stock ” genetics adapted to your area . Also , you get them home yourself ( or have them delivered by the apiary ) with less risk of damage .
How Do You Identify a Reputable Apiary?
Time and research pay off here . Ask local beekeeper about the repute of apiaries in the area . Have the beekeepers had success with bees purchased from these breeders ? Are the bee healthy ? Do the beekeepers get what they pay for ? Check whether the bee house has a Facebook or Instagram account , and see how the surgical procedure show and promotes itself . Of course , social sensitive bearing alone does n’t determine a business ’ authenticity , but what client publish and inspection publically says a lot .
When Should You “Go Big?”
Some big - name U.S. beekeeping suppliers provide healthy bees and top - mountain pass service . If you desire a specific breed that a local bee house does n’t supply , or you want to purchase several packages and experience comfortable installing many , then turn to a big caller for buy bee . As always , expect your fellow beekeepers about their ducky , and then do connection research to read customer reviews . When you ’ve narrowed it down to a few supplier , call them and ask questions about their policies . What natural action do they take to check their bees health ? Where are the bee bred and raise ? Do they guarantee their bees and replace any fatal accident ?
Spring is an exciting time in the life of the apiarist — and if you put in oeuvre during the winer , it wo n’t be a nerve-wracking time .
