Important Reminder For those Starting in 2015

[buzzbee]

As 2014 comes to an end real soon,those of you that are entering into this new world of beekeeping need to start thinking about your bee purchases. In recent years past many package bee suppliers sold out allotted packages in late January. You still have lots of time for woodenware  and supplies, but you need to start thinking about where you are going to acquire your bees, whether it be a nuc or package of bees.You may wish to start checking on when you can order, especially if you are going to have to drive to pick them up. Choosing a supplier can be the difference between a one or six hour trip home with a package of bees.
Plan ahead,and save some anxiety later.
And Merry Christmas to beekeepers to come and beekeepers past. :)

[BlueBee]

That's some good advice from BuzzBee.

[mikecva]

Good words. may I add; look for a local bee club and read read read.  Ask us as many questions as you have. Good luck   -Mike

[BeeMaster2]

Also look for local bee supplier. The bees can come from the south but you really want a local queen, preferably one from a queen breeder that does not treat their bees.
Jim

[craneman54]

What??  We gots'ta buy bees?

I thought you experienced beeks gave us the first 4 or 5 nucs to get us started.  :roll: :roll:

I was talking to a local beek a few weeks ago. He said just the queens in this area go for upwards of $60.

I will be looking for someone else to buy from. :-D

[Dallasbeek]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but look for queens that have overwintered and are laying.  Buy in June and you'll be getting newly hatched, unproven queens.  I'm sure a lot more can be written about this -- and has been on this forum.  Just read everything on the forum and you'll have a good education on bees.

[Switchback]

New beekeepers may want to look into state grants.

[GSF]

In Alabama, and probably the rest, they stop taking applications for the grants by 1 Jan.

Good point about buying bees. I wish I had ran across this forum before I got started. It may have made the difference of getting my bees before the flow compared to getting them after the flow.

[Ret Sgt Robert Yates]

our club is making a piggy back with three others in the surrounding areas and the 3lb packages tend to be more towards a heaver 5lb package for $88.00 for this year . although with three clubs we are making a very large order from One Company and they are being Picked up with a very large box truck also .