2011 Package bees and queens price list

[Tyro]

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Atst3AJ3ns2wdEpyYldDVGNRdWcyYzE5ZURSY0pJTmc&hl=en

To all,

Below is a link to the annual package bee and queen price list that I compile each year. It looks as though package prices have gone up again. Some things to note about the list:

1. I compile the list on my own each year for my personal use so that I can compare prices/costs/availability of products, etc. As such, the suppliers on the list merely represent those from whom I might consider ordering bees. Please do not interpret the absence of any particular supplier/queen producer as an evaluation of their services/product - likely, I either don't know about them, they can't get bees to me or it is simply an oversight.

2. The comments/experiences on the list are, again, my own. They are not intended as an endorsement of any one supplier/queen producer over another. They are merely my experiences with some of the vendors and the comments can (and have) changed over time as my experiences with vendors grows.

3. The list is still incomplete. Some of the larger suppliers (like Koehnen, for instance) have still not published their prices. As such, I will likely be updating the list through January.

4. If you are a queen breeder/package or nuc producer and you wish to be included on the list, please send me (through PM) the following info: Name, address, contact info (phone, email, website), breed of bees, products offered, prices and shipping to my zip (58601). I am mostly interested in vendors who are willing to ship bees/queens to my location.

Enjoy,

Mike

[annette]

That's a lot of information. Thanks for doing this work and sharing it with all of us. I have saved it.

Annette

[Highlandsfreedom]

Agreed what a great list Thanks for sharing it.

[Stone]

That's some list!  Thanks for posting it. Saves a lot of time for us newcomers.

[Dexterjc]

wow, this is very useful to me. Thanks a bunch!

[Tommyt]

BTT
for a good list


Tommyt

[Hemlock]

Thank you for committing the time it takes to make such a good list. 
 

[Algonam]

I am just learning this and was just searching this site to see how much it will cost to set up a hive with a queen package (or whatever it's called). Should I assume that my first order of bees will be the queen + a 3lb pack?....for each of my hives. I was planning on building 3 or 4. ..... or am I not correct.
Could someone give me some guidance? Thanks.
ps I am getting tired asking really basic questions .... but that is where I am at!!

[AllenF]

You can get 2, 3 ,or 4 pound packages.   Most go with 3 pounds.   I do not know about up there, but here, we would pay $63.50 US for a package from Hardeman Apiaries plus shipping.   Then 2 deeps or 3 med boxes for your first year minimum.  Look in the catalogs to see what starter hives are running.   You may want a package deal with smoker, tool, and veil included.   Beemaster has video here of how to install a package.  Read, learn,  and shop.

[Jim 134]

You can get 2, 3 ,or 4 pound packages.   Most go with 3 pounds.   I do not know about up there, but here, we would pay $63.50 US for a package from Hardeman Apiaries plus shipping.   Then 2 deeps or 3 med boxes for your first year minimum.  Look in the catalogs to see what starter hives are running.   You may want a package deal with smoker, tool, and veil included.   Beemaster has video here of how to install a package.  Read, learn,  and shop.

 I would buy 3-4pound packages and 1 queen and make 4-3pound packages


   BEE HAPPY Jim 134

[AllenF]

You could, but keeping it simple is best to start with.   

[Algonam]

I just finished building 2 top bar hives. I may build a couple more. That may depend on the cost of everything else I'll be needing as I'm just starting out.
I don't know yet if top bar hives require more, less, or the same number of bees to start.
Thanks for the info!

[doggonegardener]

Maybe it's just me but this was so useful I think it deserves a sticky.  I have been here for a few weeks and searching for package bees yields so many results it is hard to find recommendations/references in all the material.  I loved this list once I found it.  It's been very helpful to have this material in a list. 

Thanks for the work.

Rene

[sawdstmakr]

Thanks for posting the list.
Jim

[LoriMNnice]

Thank you! Great job. I printed it out.

[theeht]

Hello, just wanted to thank you for the list, the time you put in to this shows you do do your home work