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Buying a Package of Bees
1. Reputation of the Supplier:- Choosing a reputable supplier ensures that you receive healthy and disease-free bees.
- Look for suppliers with positive reviews in the beekeeping community. Seek recommendations from other beekeepers or check online reviews. Opt for suppliers who offer reliable and robust colonies.
- High-quality bees are essential for a successful start to your hive.
- Ensure that the package bees are healthy, disease-free, and well-maintained.
- If you observe a significant quantity of deceased and/or damp bees at the base of the package, as this may indicate that the bees were subjected to excessive heat during transit.
- Timing matters for early honey flows and pollination.
- Order your package bees in winter for delivery in early spring. Early setup allows you to take advantage of blooming trees and plants. Be prepared to set up your hives promptly.
- The size of the bee package affects colony establishment.
- Common package sizes include 3-pound (approximately 10,000 bees), but you may find 2-pound or 4-pound options. Choose based on your needs and local conditions.
- Understand the seller’s policies in case of issues.
- Learn about replacement policies for late deliveries, dead package queens, and refunds. While suppliers strive to provide healthy bees, they can’t control every step of the journey.
Remember, informed decisions lead to successful beekeeping!
