What is a Package of Honeybees
A “package” of honeybees refers to a specific method of purchasing and transporting bees for beekeeping purposes. A “Package” is the most popular way to start a hive. It’s cheaper than any other methog and it’s pretty easy. Here are the key details about a package of honeybees:
Composition
Workers: A typical package contains a certain number of worker bees, usually around 10,000 to 15,000, although this number can vary.
Queen: A mated queen bee is included in the package, often in a small cage to ensure her safety during transport.
No Brood: Packages generally do not include any brood (eggs, larvae, or pupae), making them a different option compared to nucleus colonies (nucs), which do contain brood.
Packaging and Transport
Container: The bees are typically housed in a ventilated, wooden, or cardboard box designed for safe transport. The containers allow airflow to keep the bees healthy and cool during transit.
Duration of Travel: Packages can be shipped over long distances and are often available for purchase in early spring when beekeepers are preparing for the beekeeping season.
Feed In Route: When the bees and queen are inserted into the package, there is always a can of sugar water with tiny holes the bees can suck the food out with.
Installation
Hive Setup: Beekeepers can install a package of honeybees into a hive by simply taking out 3 frames from the hive to leave a big open space. Take the queen cage and can of sugar water out and set them aside. Then simply shake the
bees from the package into the hive between the frames. Then gently reinsert the frames and the bees will slowly move out of the way. Then there are two ways of introducing the queen: 1) Hang the queen cage between frames after removing the cork at the candy end. The queen and attendants will eat the candy from the inside and the workers in the hive will eat the candy from the outside. It usually takes 2 to 3 days for them to chew through which then releases the queen. Those few extra days are enough time for the bees to get used to the queen’s scent and accept her. The other way is: 2) Get a 1” shim and put it on top of the box you will be putting the bees in. Then do everything the same as #1 above EXCEPT queen placement. Lay the queen screen side down across a couple of frames, after taking out the cork. Then put the inner cover and outer cover back on. Place the package the bees were in next to the hive so any stragglers can get into the hive.Uses
Starting Beekeeping: Packages are commonly used by beginner beekeepers to start their first colonies.
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Replenishing Colonies: Experienced beekeepers may use packages to replace lost or failing colonies due to various issues, such as disease or environmental stress.
Advantages
Availability: Packages are widely available and can be shipped from various suppliers. Often available through your local beekeeper supply store or local bee club.
Control: Beekeepers have control over how to set up their beehives and can monitor the acclimation of bees.
Considerations
Acclimation: After installation, the bees need time to acclimate and establish themselves in their new hive. This often involves feeding them sugar syrup until they can forage effectively.
Queen Acceptance: It is crucial for the workers to accept the queen for the colony to thrive. I find getting Marked Queens saves a lot of time and worry when you need to look for your queen. The colony doesn’t accept the queen and killer, you will need to get a replacement queen ASAP!
Summary
In summary, a package of honeybees provides beekeepers with a convenient way to start or replenish bee colonies, contributing to local beekeeping efforts and pollinator populations. Packages can be considerably less expensive than “nucs.”
