How late are commercially available queens available?

[KeyLargoBees]

Just curious,
Its possible I may need to re-queen this cutout I just did....these ladies are downright mean when disturbed...they are fine and you can stand next to the hive all day long and they don't bother you.... but crack the lid for an inspection and smoke them a little and they freak out. I dont want to wait to late to decide and just was wondering how late in the year commercially reared queens are typically available.

[Michael Bush]

If the weather is good enough to ship them Kona ships queens all year around I think.

[KeyLargoBees]

Thanks MB...I have a line on a place from south FL that does as well but have heard some aggressive stories about their genetics. This hive is destined for an elderly friends backyard who may dabble in beekeeping and help with limited hive duties....I wanted to keep them as gentle as possible. Will do some research on cost and availability and let these girls settle in and see if the peevishness settles any before I consider a pinch and replace and they are moved to their final destination ;-)

[GSF]

KeyLargo,

You described to a t some of my hives. I've been very impressed with them but they also take the fun out of beekeeping. Pinch, and combine is what I've done.

Another thought, if you've recently been in some hives they seem to carry a grudge for a couple of days.

[Sundog]

I bought a queen from a breeder in Central Florida a few years back for a cutout I put in a TBH.  Very gentle, used to work them "naked" ;/.  They did abscond though when the bull ants got in.  Too much shade.  PM me if you want info.



My son the bee whisperer.