Bees are available from a variety of
sources. The most common way to start your hive is to order a package
of bees from an apiary which specializes is raising and selling bees.
Spring is when bees are usually purchased by mail. A good startup
order will consist of 2 or 3 pounds (yes, they're sold by the pound)
of bees and a queen. They will arrive by mail sealed in a cage. Often,
the instructions will include a call to you when they arrive at your
local post office. For some reason, post offices prefer that you come
and get your package at once, which is a good idea to keep them from
having to be driven around in the mail carriers car. Temperatures in
a car can get quite warm; its no use stressing the bees before they arrive
at their new home.
The box is a wire framed cage and inside in a smaller plastic container
you will find the queen with a few nurse bees.
Back to Supplies, the
Beekeeping page
or 
Last modified 10 February 1998