Purchase A Nucleus Hive
A nucleus colony is a small working colony of around 10,000 bees. We can help you purchase a nucleus hive.
Purchase An Established Colony
If you are a member of a local Beekeeping Association - you may meet someone who can supply you with a well established colony perhaps of 50,000 bees. This is a quick way of getting started but it is not for everyone. For a novice a large colony can be slightly overwhelming. Often building up a colony from a nucleus will give you time to get to grips with them.
Catch A Swarm
Sometimes luck can play a part in starting out with bees. A swarm of bees may land in your garden or you may be given a swarm of bees from a friend. Starting out from a swarm is riskier than starting from either a full colony or a nucleus. You will not know the temperament, health or state of the queen when you start. This is a problem for both the novice and also the experienced beekeeper alike. There is an old saying for swarms: "A swarm in May is worth a load of hay; a swarm in June is worth a silver spoon; but a swarm in July is not worth a fly".
Quintin, 10 June 2019
Dear Omlet, I need to buy bees again after having lost my colony a year or so ago. My hive is all se up and ready for the new bees. Do you still sell bees for delivery to my home address or where can I get these from? I live in Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire. Many thanks. Kind regards Quintin