Here we have answered some of the commonly asked questions we get when buying bees from BeehivesforSale.com.au, however, if we can be of further service please do reach out, we’d be happy to look after you and help you get started in beekeeping.
Buying Bees from BeehivesforSale.com.au
Pickup dates are late September through to the end of January but are subject to change due to inconsistencies in spring weather. Immediately after you order your bees online you will receive an email from us with a request for you to use our Online Calendar booking engine so you can easily select from our available dates and secure your session on the earliest possible date. Date preference is first come, first served. Pickup days are typically on weekends between 8 am-10 am and we do suggest allowing at least 30 minutes so you can have a chat with our onsite Beekeepers.
Currently, we have four Pickup Sites (by Appointment):
Immediately after ordering we will send an email inviting you to book a suitable time using our Online Calendar booking engine whereby you can easily select from our available dates to secure your session on the earliest possible date.
Please note, Onsite Beehive Delivery and Mentoring doesn’t include any bees (you will need to order them first).
We have created a simple Bee Pickup & Transport Guide which you can download here
It's really important you do this ASAP once arriving home as your bees will need improved ventilation, and access to water and will seek to begin to reorientate to their new location. Naturally, bees can be a bit disgruntled having been in transport so we encourage you to put on your bee suit and gloves to safely open the hive.
Currently, we are only operating in Victoria, Australia. We do have plans to partner with local beekeepers in other states soon.
Beehives For Sale take bee biosecurity and bee health very seriously. All our Expert Beekeepers have completed and passed current Bee Biosecurity Training. We would also encourage you to undertake this training yourself - here is the direct link.
All hives are inspected thoroughly for a variety of pests & diseases up to 7 days prior to delivery. Our Beekeepers also check a sample of our nucs with American Foulbrood (AFB) Diagnostic Test Kits for added certainty and do regular Sugar Shake Tests (Varroa Mite Surveillance).
While it is possible to do the installation on the same day they arrive, shortly after they have orientated, there is no rush and your bees can comfortably live inside the transport hive for a few days if necessary. It's recommended you do the installation within a 1-week period as we will have given you a hive with lots of brood and a high-performing queen that is designed to expand and grow into your new hive. Leaving it too long could result in them running out of space and swarming.
Bee Hives For Sale use high-quality ventilated nucleus hives. They are secured closed with latches. While it is not necessary, we also provide additional Ventilated Mesh Transport Bags for added peace of mind.
Bee Hives For Sale specialise in the supply of premium colonies of bees suitable for all Langstroth format hives (eg. Flow Hive, HiveIQ, traditional wooden Langstroth hive etc). It's important to note we DO NOT supply beehives or beekeeping equipment. You will need to purchase this separately in advance of receiving your bees.
