I am in a quandry. I have a hive given to me which is poplulated in unknown, but suspected low, numbers. I am starting two more hives. I had hoped to find someone to sell me a couple of nucs, but unfortunately, I know no one locally who keeps bees. I found the local association's webste, but they do not respond to email inquires. They tell me I can join by paying the treaurer, but they do not tell me how to contact her. Quite frustrating. I tried contacting a local beekeeper from whom my father buys honey for his bakery, but he did not seem terribly interested to help out. My only resource that I can identify is this forum and the state association meeting next weekend (which coincidentally is in my city this year).
I can order bees from the local hardware store and they will be local bees packaged with a queen. Should I buy a couple of packages of these? Should I order some fro the internet? If so, where? My sons and I kind of liked the idea of having different types of bees and then observing their performance. This may be a difficult proposition and more trouble than it is worth. I am curious as to your collective thoughts.
I have read that nucs will build up faster than package bees, but how much more? If I get package bees, will they produce honey and wax the first year? Should I get the hardware store bees or order them? If ordering, where is the best place to get bees shipped to the Ozarks? Thanks for any advice, I am almost paralyzed with indecision born of ignorance. I need help.
Brian
Topic: Help with getting new bees (Read 1299 times)