established colonies that include worker bees

Beekeeping is a rewarding and environmentally beneficial hobby that can also provide a source of honey and beeswax. If you’re interested in starting your beekeeping journey in Missouri, you’ll need to acquire bees to populate your hives. There are several options for obtaining bees, including purchasing package bees, nucleus colonies (nucs), or queen bees. It’s important to choose a reputable supplier to ensure you receive healthy bees that will thrive in your beekeeping operation. Let’s explore the options for buying bees in Missouri and how to get started with your beekeeping adventure.

Package bees are a popular choice for new beekeepers as they provide a ready-made colony that can be easily installed into a hive. Package bees typically consist of 2-5 pounds of worker bees and a queen bee in a screened cage. When ordering package bees in Missouri, consider the following:

Package bees are usually available for pickup or delivery in the bees for sale in Missouri spring, so it’s essential to place your order early to secure your bees for the upcoming season.

Choose a reputable supplier with a history of providing healthy bees. Look for reviews and recommendations from other beekeepers in Missouri.

Different bee breeds have unique characteristics. Research which breed is best suited to your location and beekeeping goals.

Nucleus colonies, or nucs, are small, established colonies that include worker bees, a queen bee, brood (developing bees), and food stores. Nucs are a great option for new beekeepers looking to jumpstart their hives. When purchasing nucs in Missouri, consider the following: