A package of honeybees is a specialized shipping container designed to transport a "starter colony" to a new hive. It consists of a screened wooden box containing approximately three pounds of loose worker bees—amounting to several thousand individuals—along with a feeder can for nutrition and a mated queen isolated in a protective cage.
The primary purpose of a package is to deliver a workforce and a queen that are not yet established as a unified colony. The separation of the queen is a deliberate mechanism to allow the workers to acclimate to her pheromones safely during transit.
Anatomy of a Bee Package
The Physical Container
The package itself is a rectangular box constructed with wooden frames and screened sides.
This design ensures maximum ventilation, preventing the bees from overheating during transport. It is lightweight yet durable enough to handle the rigors of shipping or transport by car.
The Worker Population
The bulk of the package consists of loose worker bees, typically weighing around 3 lbs.
These bees serve as the initial labor force for your new hive. They are responsible for building comb, foraging, and caring for the brood once installed.
The Queen Cage
A mated queen is included, but she is kept separate from the general population in a small cage suspended from the top of the box.
This cage often contains a few "attendant" bees to care for her. This isolation is critical because the workers may not be her original offspring; the cage protects her while the colony accepts her unique pheromone signature.
The Feeder Can
A metal can filled with sugar water or syrup is placed inside the package.
This provides essential hydration and energy for the bees during their journey. Without this food source, the bees would not survive the stress of transport.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Cost vs. Establishment
Packages are generally less expensive than buying established colonies (such as "nucs").
They offer a cost-effective way to start beekeeping or to acquire specific honeybee species and behavioral traits that may not be available locally.
Transport Stress
Shipping bees over long distances is physically demanding on the insects.
The vibration, temperature changes, and confinement can negatively impact their health. While packages are a standard industry practice, the stress of transit is a significant variable in the early success of the colony.
Making the Right Choice for Your Apiary
When deciding if a package is the right method for starting your hive, consider your proximity to the supplier and your budget.
- If your primary focus is cost efficiency: A package is often the most affordable entry point into beekeeping.
- If your primary focus is bee health: Prioritize purchasing packages that you can pick up locally rather than having them shipped, to minimize transport stress.
Successful beekeeping starts with understanding that a package is not a "turnkey" hive, but a biological kit requiring careful assembly and introduction.
Summary Table:
| Component | Description | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Screened Box | Wooden frame with wire mesh | Ventilation and secure transport |
| Worker Bees | ~3 lbs of loose bees (thousands) | Initial labor force for hive building |
| Mated Queen | Isolated in a protective cage | Future reproduction and colony leadership |
| Feeder Can | Metal container with sugar syrup | Essential nutrition during transit |
| Queen Candy | Sugar plug in the queen cage | Slow release for safe queen introduction |
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