What does a package of bees include?

A package of bees includes 2-3 lbs. of bees and a young mated queen (in a queen cage, usually marked) ready to be placed into a hive. A package of bees contains roughly 10,000 honeybees, 3000 to 5000 bees per pound, in a vented wooden box with a feeder can of sugar syrup.

What is better a nuc or a package of bees?

Package Bees are more economical, less prone to spread pests or diseases (because no honeycomb is involved), and are more readily available. They are slower to build up a working population and have to go through the queen acceptance procedure. Nucs – Nuc colonies are more expensive than packages of bees.

How many boxes come in a package of bees?

But most beekeepers will require 2 boxes for the colony to live in and store food. Of course, it goes without saying – once your colony is ready for boxes that will hold honey for harvest – stop feeding sugar water. Otherwise, the bees will process and cap the sugar water honey. It’s not real honey.

What is the difference between a nuc and a package?

A nuc is a partially developed colony. That means that they already have some food stores built up, but they don’t have a proper home yet. A package is a box of bees that can be sent through the mail.

How are bees packaged for shipping?

Packaged bees are generally taken from the upper brood comb of strong hives. They are shaken into the box using a funnel. Packages do not include any kind of frame or comb. Once received, the packaged bees are shaken straight into an empty hive and the caged queen is placed inside with them.

How do you package bees hive?

Gently pull the queen cage out of the package and set it off to the side on top of the frame. Turn the package upside down and gently shake it to help the bees fall into the hive. You may need to strike the side of the package to help move the bees into the hive.

Will bees move into an empty hive?

Yes, with a bit of time and effort you can lure bees to an empty hive. For example, adding wax frames can act as a “bait” of sorts, while a smaller hive opening is preferable as it’s easier for new bees to protect.

How long can packaged bees stay in the package?

Some long-time beekeepers say no more than four days max, but you can probably keep them in there a week if you feed them.

What is included in a bee package?

Our bee packages are grown here in Georgia. The bee package includes a screen box, sugar water container, approx. 3 lbs. of bees which include nurse bees, forager bees, guard bees, and drone bees. The queen bee will be in a queen cage. The queen bee is a mated queen.

Where can I buy premium package bees?

Backyard beekeepers can purchase packages directly from OHB only on Hobby Day, but you can order our premium package bees through our trusted partners. What comes in each “package”?

How many bees are in a Carniolan package?

Our Carniolan package bees include: a screen box, sugar water container or fondant block, approx. +/- 3 lbs. of bees, which includes nurse bees, forager bees, guard bees, and drone bees. The colony of bees will consist of one or more Italian, Carniolan, and Russian worker bees.

How do I purchase bees from OHB?

Backyard beekeepers can purchase packages directly from OHB only on Hobby Day, but you can order our premium package bees through our trusted partners. What comes in each “package”? Each package contains 2-3 pounds of bees along with one of our newly mated queens.