Package Bees

Package bees are a way for beekeepers to obtain a new colony of bees. A package of bees typically consists of a small wooden box containing several thousand bees, a queen bee, and a small amount of food. The bees are usually purchased from a bee supplier and shipped to the purchaser, who will then introduce the bees to a hive. Package bees are a popular choice for new beekeepers because they allow the beekeeper to start a new hive quickly and easily. However, package bees may take longer to establish themselves and become productive compared to bees that are raised from a locally adapted queen. This is because the bees in the package may not be well adapted to the local climate and conditions, and the process of introducing a new queen to a hive can be stressful for the bees. Package bees are typically not all from the same hive. It is important for the beekeeper to follow proper techniques when introducing package bees to a hive to ensure the success of the new colony. This may include providing the bees with a suitable hive and enough food and water, as well as monitoring the hive to ensure that the queen is laying eggs and the colony is thriving.