Ordering bees

flyboy · February 02, 2014, 11:12:20 PM

I am a newbee and would like to order some bees. I am reading the "Beekeeping for Dummies" book and have built a couple of hives from "Beehive Making for Dummies" book.

So now I would like to order some bees. Any suggestions on 'who, what, where, when ?

capt44 · February 02, 2014, 11:15:48 PM

You might try online or a beekeeping club.
But you're running out of time, a lot of places are sold out already.

ziffabeek · February 07, 2014, 03:13:44 PM

Hi Flyboy,

Your best bet is to find a local supplier - either someone who will sell you a split or whoever the closest commercial supplier is. Check your local listings for the closest beekeeping club and attend a meeting. See where they got their bees from and if there is anyone who needs to reduce their number of hives. Local bees should have the best chance of surviving and thriving in your locale, as long as they come from good stock.

and you can't go wrong meeting other beeks in your area! :)

love,
ziffa

jayj200 · February 10, 2014, 06:03:36 PM

y'all have a bee club there?

can you wait till swarm season?

catch your own. JP the bee man shows ya how. nearly 200 vids.
I would put the entire branch in a deep brood chamber. then put a queen excluder on the bottom entrance, minimum 7 days! this works for me 3 times now.

flyboy · February 10, 2014, 09:27:48 PM

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I do belong to the bee club and I spent some time researching and did find a few PPL who will sell some in May, which seems to be the time to do so around here.

I like your suggestions though.

gmcharlie · February 15, 2014, 02:31:37 PM

Your in Canada, so from my understanding NZ is your only option for packages. Really need to find a local to help you get started!

flyboy · February 15, 2014, 04:36:42 PM

Quote from: gmcharlie on February 15, 2014, 02:31:37 PM
Your in Canada, so from my understanding NZ is your only option for packages. Really need to find a local to help you get started!

What is the reason for only NZ?

gmcharlie · February 15, 2014, 04:57:49 PM

Canada currently has a ban on importing bees from the US and most other areas. I think orignanly it was Varro based but it seems its still in effect. lots of talk about it changing but I am not aware it has. I think queens can still be shipped, but no nucs packages or hives.

Look up Ian steppler, he has a website, and can probably help you out his email should be there.

flyboy · February 15, 2014, 04:59:20 PM

OK Thanks.