I am planning to start beekeeping this spring. I live in the Southern United States and am hoping some of you can recommend a reputable supplier who sells package bees. Thanks.
There are several. A google search will turn up a number of them. Welcome to the site. But when you get a chance, please put your location in your profile as a lot of information is location specific. If there is a Bee club close to you, join it. They will be able to steer you in a good package supplier direction and maybe even do a bulk order to save you some money.
How far south are you? We sell bees here in central FL.
Scott
we sell em in louisiana too. :-D
bailey
It has been many many years since I've purchased any packages, but I was always happy with Hardeman or Wilbanks or Gardner's. They have all been around for a while and have good reputations.
I'm in northeast Mississippi. What is the latest date (about) I could receive the bees and have them still do good? I didn't know you had to place orders in the fall. Thanks.
Most like to order their bees for early spring as to get a jump on the honey flows to build stronger colonies but you can start bees as late as early fall ()most years) where you are. Get some local advise on this one.
Maybe you can contact Bud1 through this site for some info. He's closer to you.
Scott
Thanks for the help! I'm sure I'll have many more questions as time goes by, but right now I'm in the planning stages. Glad I didn't wait until Spring.
Hello, and Welcome to Beemaster!
This is a great forum to learn more about bees & beekeeping. Be sure to check out the tutorials on the main Beemaster page ("Backyard Beekeeping Course"). That's where I started about seven years ago. Also, add your location to your profile. Much of beekeeping is location-specific, and we'll be better able to answer your questions if we know where you are. The forum "search" function is also very useful - very often I can find immediate answers to my questions in previous threads.
As a beginner, I encourage to you read, read, read. Check your library for books and videos. Check the web for online learning sites. Two of my favorites which I often recommend to newbees are:
Natural beekeeping:
http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm (http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm)
Nearly 90 online lessons:
http://basicbeekeeping.blogspot.com/ (http://basicbeekeeping.blogspot.com/)
Lastly, I encourage you get involved with a local club. Clubs often offer beginning beekeeping classes, and are great places to find mentors and get connected with local beekeepers. The local beeks are your best source of info on where to buy bees and equipment:
http://www.mdac.state.ms.us/organizations/mshoneybee/Library/AboutUS.html (http://www.mdac.state.ms.us/organizations/mshoneybee/Library/AboutUS.html)
Depending on just how far northeast you are in MS, one these AL/TN clubs may be closer:
http://www.k4vb.com/REg%20bkpeg%20assoc%2012%2006.htm (http://www.k4vb.com/REg%20bkpeg%20assoc%2012%2006.htm)
http://www.tnbeekeepers.org/locals.htm (http://www.tnbeekeepers.org/locals.htm)