Bee Packages

rail · December 19, 2011, 09:33:41 PM

Has anyone started with a 6# package instead of 3#? Is there any advantage?

BjornBee · December 19, 2011, 09:50:23 PM

I didn't even know they sold 6 lb packages.

FRAMEshift · December 19, 2011, 10:16:18 PM

I guess people use 3 lb packages because that seems to be about the minimum size that gives a good hive starting late in the year. But if you want to try it, just combine two 3lb packages and use one queen. I eagerly await your results. :-D

Jim134 · December 19, 2011, 10:49:34 PM

Quote from: BjornBee on December 19, 2011, 09:50:23 PM
I didn't even know they sold 6 lb packages.

I have seen 5 lb. packages in the 70s and that had 2 queens.

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

rail · December 20, 2011, 08:49:39 AM

Quote from: FRAMEshift on December 19, 2011, 10:16:18 PM
I guess people use 3 lb packages because that seems to be about the minimum size that gives a good hive starting late in the year. But if you want to try it, just combine two 3lb packages and use one queen. I eagerly await your results. :-D

That is my plan! :)

FRAMEshift · December 20, 2011, 10:19:56 AM

Quote from: rail on December 20, 2011, 08:49:39 AM
That is my plan! :)

rail, I don't remember where you are located. Are you in Kannapolis? I'm up in Madison and my daughter is in Carrboro. I was wondering where you get your packages and how much you are paying. Busy Bee in Chapel Hill is very reliable. They had packages on time last year when everyone else was making excuses. Last year they charged $80 for a 3 lb package with queen.

sterling · December 20, 2011, 05:08:49 PM

I had ordered a nuc of 4.9 bees last year. The man I ordered them from had problems with his nucs so I ended up with a five pound package with one queen. They did better building up then a three pound package but not by alot. I had just as soon have two three pound packages in separate boxes and give them some drawn comb if you have it. I did that also with a three pound package and they built up good because I released the queen when I hived them and she was laying almost immediately.

rail · December 20, 2011, 07:50:14 PM

Quote from: FRAMEshift on December 20, 2011, 10:19:56 AM
Quote from: rail on December 20, 2011, 08:49:39 AM
That is my plan! :)

rail, I don't remember where you are located. Are you in Kannapolis? I'm up in Madison and my daughter is in Carrboro. I was wondering where you get your packages and how much you are paying. Busy Bee in Chapel Hill is very reliable. They had packages on time last year when everyone else was making excuses. Last year they charged $80 for a 3 lb package with queen.

FRAMEshift,

I am located in Trinity. Have purchased packages from Walter T. Kelley and pleased with service. Found a local supplier of equipment and packages, Triad Bee Supply, with great customer service! Cannot remember prices.