Buying bees for the first time is challenging and overwhelming. There are a lot of questions and too many answers, and it’s hard to make sense of the options. Nucs, packages, deposits, queens, overwintered, 5 frame… So much information as well as the pressure to make the right choice. The good thing is that there are many great sources of bees. The bad news is there are plenty of ways to make mistakes.
We sell a lot of bees each year, but we don’t ship and cater to our regional beekeepers who want bees. I recognize that we have customers all over the U.S who can’t pick up bees from our beekeeping shop in Alabama. But you can buy bees from your area, and I encourage you to do that.
Here’s a detailed guide with the dos and don’ts to help you make the best choices.
Buying bees for beginners can be tricky. Learn about nucs, packages, timing, and trusted sellers to make confident, informed decisions for success.
New to beekeeping? This guide covers choosing between nucs and packages, preparing equipment, finding reputable sellers, and avoiding common beginner mistakes.
Starting with bees? Understand the differences between nucs and packages, the importance of timing, and how to find reliable, healthy bee sources.
Table of Contents
The Dos of Buying Bees Do Know What You Are Buying: Nuc vs. Package vs. Queen Bee Do Pick Up the Bees Yourself Do Pick Up the Bees After Having Your Equipment Set Up Do Know Who You Are Buying Honey Bees From Do Buy From a Person With a Reputation The Don’ts of Buying Bees Don’t Buy More Than Two Colonies to Start Unless You Feel Very Confident Don’t Buy Bees Too Late in the Year Don't forget that bees fly and they do sting Don’t Buy Bees Without Knowing Exactly What to Do Once You Get Healthy Bees Don’t Buy More Than a Package or Nuc Unless You Have a Beekeeper to Help You In Person Final Thoughts
The Dos of Buying Bees
1) Do Know What You Are Buying: Nuc vs. Package vs. Queen Bee
When buying bees, you’ll need to decide between a nucleus hive (nuc) or a package of bees, often referred to as packaged bees.
A nuc is a small, established colony with frames of brood, honey, and an already-accepted laying queen. This makes it a popular choice for beginners because the colony is already functional.
Packaged bees, on the other hand, include a queen in a cage and a specific number of loose worker bees. These bees will need time to accept the queen and start building their hive from scratch.
Taking the time to understand these differences will help you make a purchase that fits your skill level. For beginners, a nuc is often the safer choice, as it requires less effort to establish.
However, a package can also be a good starting point if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option and don’t mind the extra work. Though a package is more likely to fail in its first year with a new beekeeper than a nucleus hive.
You can’t start a colony with a queen bee, so when you start, you’ll need to either start with a nuc or a package.
2) Do Pick Up the Bees Yourself
Picking up your bees in person is always the best option. Not only does it allow you to see where they are coming from before taking them home, but it also minimizes the risks associated with shipping.
When bees are shipped, they can experience extreme temperatures, delays, or even mishandling that can harm their health. Transporting the bees yourself ensures they are handled with care.
Additionally, picking up your bees gives you a chance to meet the seller and ask last-minute questions. This personal connection can help you feel more confident in your purchase and better prepared for your next steps.
There are too many scams related to shipping bees. We don't ever recommend having packages or nucs shipped. It's not good for the bees, and it's easy to get scammed. Queens are ok to ship.
3) Do Pick Up the Bees After Having Your Equipment Set Up
Before you bring your bees home, make sure your equipment and hive is completely ready to receive them. Choosing the right hive style is crucial for your beekeeping needs, with Langstroth hives being a popular choice in the U.S.
This includes assembling and painting the hive, placing it in a good location with plenty of forage, and having all necessary tools and protective gear prepared. A well-prepared hive allows the bees to settle in quickly and reduces stress for both you and the bees.
Having your equipment ready also ensures you don’t delay installing the bees . For example, honey bees need immediate access to a secure hive where they can begin building comb and storing resources. A delay could cause unnecessary stress to the colony, increasing the chances of absconding or early failure. It’s not best practice to bring bees home and wait to install them. You can do this with a nuc for a day or two, but not with packaged bees. Just be ready when it’s bee pickup day.
4) Do Know Who You Are Buying Honey Bees From
It’s critical to research your seller before purchasing bees. Sourcing healthy bees from a reputable seller is essential for establishing a successful apiary.
A reputable seller should be able to answer all your questions about the colony’s health, the genetics of the queen bee, and any treatments or feeding the bees have received. Avoid sellers who seem evasive or reluctant to share this information. This is basic information.
If buying a nuc, a good question is, "When was the last time this colony was treated?". Or "How much time does this NUC have before I'll have to add a 2nd box?". These are good questions to ask, even if you don't know the right answer. It allows you to see if they are comfortable answering these questions.
If you are buying a package of bees, you can ask, "When were these bees shook?" That means when were the bees taken from their parent hive and shook into the screen box? Ideally, it should have been within the last 24-48 hours. You can also ask, "When was this queen mated?"
Local sellers are often the best choice because their bees are already adapted to the forage and climate in your area. Connecting with local beekeeping groups can help you find trusted recommendations.
Remember, buying from someone knowledgeable and trustworthy can make a huge difference in your success as a beekeeper. At least google their name.
5) Do Buy From a Person With a Reputation
Reputation matters when purchasing bees. A seller with a strong track record is more likely to provide healthy, disease-free colonies. And also stand behind their product and have the resources for fixing a problem.
Look for sellers recommended by other beekeepers (research those beekeepers) or have positive reviews online. A good reputation also indicates that the seller is experienced and willing to provide support if you have questions or concerns.
There are some really low class people out there. Scamming aspiring beekeepers has become very easy lately. This is because the culture of beekeeping is relational. The pattern for these scams is based on social media where anyone can be anyone.
An aspiring beekeeper will ask a question about where to find bees. Multiple fake accounts that are also part of this Facebook group will recommend one or multiple scam businesses. These scam businesses have a Facebook page for their "business" with other beekeepers' images.
These scam business will quickly want to close the deal with you and have you pay over zelle, cash app or similar apps. They are unlikely to give you their email and will ask for yours instead.
And they will never give you a phone number. And they want you to pay via unprotected ways, meaning sending money using the "friends and family" option.
They are very easy for us to identify, but if you find the person evasive and aggressive, do not buy from them. Scammer or not.
For more information on how to avoid Beekeeping Scams, read our blog "Beekeeping Scams: How To Avoid It and What Do You Do."
The Don’ts of Buying Bees
1) Don’t Buy More Than Two Colonies to Start Unless You Feel Very Confident
As a new beekeeper, it’s easy to get carried away and buy more bees than you can handle. However, managing one or two colonies is enough for your first season.
Beekeeping requires hands-on learning, and trying to juggle multiple hives without experience can quickly become overwhelming.
Starting small allows you to focus on developing your skills and learning the rhythms of your bees. Once you’ve gained confidence and experience, you can expand your operation.
Remember, it’s better to succeed with one or two colonies than to struggle with many.
2) Don’t Buy Bees Too Late in the Year
Timing is critical when it comes to buying bees. Purchasing too late in the season—after the main nectar flow —leaves the colony with little time to build their population and store enough honey for winter. This can lead to a weak hive that may not survive. Most bees are picked up in March, April and May. As the months progress, it gets harder to get your bees ready for their first winter.
Plan your pickup for early spring, when the bees can take full advantage of the blooming flowers and warm weather. Starting at the right time gives your bees the best chance to thrive and ensures they have ample resources heading into the colder months.
3) Don't forget that bees fly and they do sting
When it's time to pickup your bees, they will come in a nucleus hive box or they will come in a package. Those are the most common options for selling bees and both work very well. But you should expect that bees are going to be on the outside of these containers.
It's difficult to make sure you get all the bees inside the container before it's closed. At different times of the year, it is easier. But even if the person selling the bees has said the doors will be closed and the bees can't get out.
Expect them to get out. So if they get out in the bed of your truck, not a big deal. If they get out in the front seat of your camry, that can become a big deal.
If you get in a car accident and the package or nuc splits open, which it will, it would be difficult for somebody to help you. For all of these reasons, it's why we recommend Buzz Bags . There is a size available for whatever size hive you are picking up.
4) Don’t Buy Bees Without Knowing Exactly What to Do Once You Get Your Bees
Bees require immediate attention after you bring them home, so it’s essential to have a plan in place. This is what you want all your equipment setup before getting your bees. So when you get your bees, you can focus on what they need. Learn how to transfer the bees into their hive , provide sugar syrup for them, and monitor their progress during the critical first weeks.
Educate yourself on the basics of hive inspections , queen care, and pest management before buying your bees. This preparation ensures you’re ready to meet their needs and gives them the best chance of success in their new environment.
5) Don’t Buy More Than a Package or Nuc Unless You Have a Beekeeper to Help You In Person
While it may be tempting to buy a full hive or a bunch of hives, doing so without experience can be overwhelming.
If you’re considering a larger purchase, make sure you have a mentor or experienced beekeeper to guide you. They can help with hive inspections, troubleshooting, and understanding the behavior of your bees.
Honey bees don't wait on beekeepers and when you start in the spring, the colony will grow from a few thousand bees to tens of thousands quickly.
Having someone to assist you during your first season can make a world of difference. They’ll help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your colonies get off to a strong start.
Starting with a package or nuc is much more manageable for a beginner and allows you to learn at a comfortable pace.
Final Thoughts
Buying bees is a major milestone in your beekeeping journey. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be well-prepared to make a purchase that aligns with your goals and ensures the health of your bees. Take your time, do your research, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from experienced beekeepers. With the right preparation, you’ll set your hive on a path to success—and enjoy the rewards of beekeeping for years to come.
If you have any questions or need guidance, we’re always here to help. Let us know how we can support you in building thriving, healthy hives!
Adam Hickman
Adam Hickman owns Foxhound Bee Company and is a certified EAS Master Beekeeper. Before ever selling a box through Foxhound Bee Company, Adam wrote beekeeping blogs for education. Adam regularly teaches beekeeping classes through Foxhound Bee Co and also through his local beekeeping club.
