No packaged Bees

Pond Creek Farm · March 11, 2008, 11:09:42 PM

The local hardware store just called to tell me that they will have no packaged bees as in years before but only will have nucs (in limited numbers) and entire hives (whatever that means). The costs are not insignificant: $105 and $159 respectively). For reasonas other than cost, however, I am really begining to lean towards the packaged bees since they have already been shaken off their comb and have thereby started the regression process. The problem is, I cannot find any. In a perfect world, I could get a package of Russians and a package of Carniolans (sp?) since I have a hive of Italians. I am likely going to get a couple of nucs anyway, but I like the idea of the starting from scratch as well. Any ideas on sources? Am I being too ambitious in my start up plans?

Michael Bush · March 11, 2008, 11:20:17 PM

Contact Myron Kropf at (573) 549-2312. He's in Missouri and has small cell packages. It may be later in the Spring or he may be sold out, but it would be worth calling.

CBEE · March 12, 2008, 08:33:22 AM

It's interesting that your hardware store sells bees to begin with. I was talking bees with one of my co-workers a little while back and he was telling me his dad used to order them from sears.

_Brenda_ · March 12, 2008, 09:40:48 AM

I just recently ordered a package from Rossman Apiaries, in Moultrie, GA.
I got a confirmation and shipping date, so they still had them when I ordered. These are Italians.

bassman1977 · March 12, 2008, 09:59:12 AM

QuoteIt's interesting that your hardware store sells bees to begin with. I was talking bees with one of my co-workers a little while back and he was telling me his dad used to order them from sears.

I was also surprised about this.

I believe Sears sold those black midnight bees.

Carriage House Farm · March 12, 2008, 09:59:41 AM

Quote from: CBEE on March 12, 2008, 08:33:22 AM
It's interesting that your hardware store sells bees to begin with. I was talking bees with one of my co-workers a little while back and he was telling me his dad used to order them from sears.

I still get half of my non-organic vegetable seed, onion sets, and potatoes from the hardware store. I love that place. So few around these days. You can tell when a store is similar though. Pack wall to wall, floor to floor, and smells good, like a mix of peat, fertilizer, and wood.

Ours used to sell them, but that was about 30 years ago. Now its the Post Office for pick-up.

Best part about all of it is that I am in an urban environment. We have 4 Walmarts, 3 Home Depots, an 84 Lumber, and 3 Lowes within a 15 min drive. This little place is still kicking...and strong!

Kirk-o · March 12, 2008, 10:03:11 AM

I got my first bees from Montgomery Ward in 1970.They were Midnights
kirko

DayValleyDahlias · March 12, 2008, 12:07:17 PM

Monkey Ward!! Wow, I remember looking at the old Sears Roebuck and Monkey Ward catalogs, and their farm section!! Haven't though of that in a long time! :-D

Alan Forbes · March 12, 2008, 12:38:16 PM

You used to be able to buy almost anything from those catalogs. I once stayed in a log cabin that was bought as a kit from a Montgomery Ward's catalog. They shipped it from Finland.

Shawn · March 12, 2008, 02:11:02 PM

Don, "the fat bee man" sells Russian Nucs in smal cell size. Here is the link to his site: http://www.geocities.com/fatbeeman/. I know you said you were looking for a package of bees but his bees would just go great into your hive and are reasonably priced. To top it off you would be supporting a member of the forums.

mudlakee · March 12, 2008, 04:38:03 PM

My dad ordered Queens from Sears. Tony

Pond Creek Farm · March 12, 2008, 06:07:41 PM

The place is called Nixa hardware, and it is great. They carry feed, tools, bees, plants and even chickens. I go there and just walk around taking it all in.

Pond Creek Farm · March 12, 2008, 10:43:05 PM

Pay Dirt! Michael Bush's recommendation for packaged bees has paid off. I called Myron, and he will have packaged bees on small cell the second week of May. He is even willing to shop them and save me a several hundred mile journey. That will be just great for my purposes. I went ahead and ordered a second package for my buddy who is getting started as well. I have an email into Georgia for the Nucs of Russians and hopefully this will pay off as well. I saw on his website that he also breeds new world carniolans which would give me the rounded variety that I am looking for. Thanks for all the advice.

Tucbar · March 13, 2008, 04:18:38 PM

I bought nucs in Springfield a few years ago. I know as of last year the guy I got them from was still selling them. They where 75$ each last year with a frame swap. If you are interested I could find his info again.

Pond Creek Farm · March 13, 2008, 07:54:56 PM

Thanks for the offer. I think I know who that is, and his supply is all committed this year. I am meeting some folks this weekend at the state meeting, however, that I think can fill out my needs this year. Since I have started on this search, however, two of my friends have indicated they want to start hives too, so my order keeps increasing.

Brian D. Bray · March 14, 2008, 01:16:54 AM

Quote from: DayValleyDahlias on March 12, 2008, 12:07:17 PM
Monkey Ward!! Wow, I remember looking at the old Sears Roebuck and Monkey Ward catalogs, and their farm section!! Haven't though of that in a long time! :-D

That used to be the easiest way to get them. Order them from the S&R or Monkey Ward catalogs. Queens were $2.50 each or 5 for $10.00. The packages were $12.50. But when I came back after 4 years in the Army (72) I couldn't get them that way any more. Used to do swarm pickups while on duty. Get a call, pull the police car up infront of the house, take the hive out of the trunk and hive it. Tell the folks I'd be back at the end of my shift to get the bees. Always seemed to blow their minds.