Frequently Asked Questions when Buying Bees
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
Tentative pickup dates are early October through to the end of December but are subject to change due to inconsistencies in spring weather. We will contact you via email to arrange a suitable pickup date by apointment. Date preference is first come, first served. Pickup days are typically on Saturdays and we do suggest allowing at least 30 minutes so you can have a chat with our onsite Beekeepers.
No problem, we can get this booked in for you. As long as you allow around 7 days notice you can go order your Onsite Beehive Delivery & Mentoring here. On the second step, you will be shown a calendar of available dates that our Mentors can come and delivery your bees for you. Please note, Onsite Beehive Delivery and Mentoring doesn’t include any bees (you will need to order them separately first).
Transport: Place the Nuc on the floor of your car or in a secure place where they cannot move around during transit. All Nucs will have vents to give the bees fresh air. Its important these are not covered during transit to allow adequate ventilation. Ideally, drive straight home or to the site location where you are starting your apiary. (Bees are living creatures and are perishable! Do not leave them in your car and duck into the shops on the way home, they will likely not survive. It is your responsibility and duty to ensure that all nucs are kept cool and out of the direct sun until they have been opened, installed into the apiary or transferred to your larger hive.)
Opening Nuc: If you have a bigger Langstroth Hive or a Flowhive move this away, it will not be used for now. Place the Nucleus hive, in the exact same spot the main hive will reside. Put on your bee suit and protective gear. Open the entrance of the hive and allow the bees to freely enter and exit. Bees can be a bit agitated from the transit and will need time to orientate. Safely move away and give them time to adjust to their new surrounds.
Installation: Within about 3-14 days it will be time to interact with your bees for the first time and transfer them to their bigger hive. We recommend this 1-hour course that walks you through the process. If you have ordered bees from BeehivesforSale we will have created your access to our free Beekeeping Accelerator Mini-eCourse (1 hour): Installing a Nucleus Hive - Moving Bees to a New Hive that you can access here.
Its really important you do this ASAP once arriving home as your bees will need improved ventilation, access to water and will seek to begin to reorientate to their new location.
Currently, we are only operating in Victoria, Australia. We do have plans to partner with local Beekeepers in other states soon.
However, if you are interested in getting bees and are based in another state, please do reach out to us as we will always try to help.
You will be contacted before 30th September to arrange a pickup date between 1 October - 31 December. Bees will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact our support if you have any questions at all.
Currently, we have two Pickup Sites:
- Yarrambat, VIC (29km NE of Melbourne CBD)
- Geelong, VIC
Our registered Beekeepers 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 up to 14 days prior to delivery.
Approximately 7-14 days after arrival and opening of the Nuc it is recommended you give your developing colony some additional space by relocating them into their new hive. Moving them from a 5 frame Nuc to an 8 frame Langstroth hive will give them that much-needed space to grow into as the Spring peak season for bees is upon us.
Beehivesforsale use very high quality solid wooden locally made Nucleus Hives. They are secured closed with metal hooks and taped up for additional protection. While it is not necessary, our Beekeepers have additional Nuc Ventilated Mesh Transport Bags that can be purchased on your Pickup Day for $20 for added peace of mind.
Additional Resources
GOT FURTHER QUESTIONS?
Please don't hesitate to contact us via our Online Chat or Contact Us Page if you have any questions at all.
We are here to help and will do our best to get back to you promptly.