Things You Should Know
Before You Buy Bees

honey bees

I am guessing because you have arrived at this page that you want to buy bees because you are interested in bee keeping and are not sure what to look for when you see honey bees for sale.



This is wonderful and once you have become established, which shouldn’t or needn’t be a difficult task, you will soon be enjoying all the benefits of honey you and your bees will produce.

To start off when you buy bees for your new venture there are quite a few things to take into consideration. You wouldn’t buy anything else less than perfect and that includes the choices you make when you buy bees.

What To Look For
When Buying Bees

If you buy from a local beekeeper who is well established in the art of bee keeping who you can visit, this is probably the very best way.

You will be able to inspect the hives and colonies beforehand to make sure you are satisfied with the conditions and health of the bees you wish to buy.

If they run a reputable business and have honey bees for sale they will actually appreciate answering any questions you may have willingly.

Never be afraid to ask questions and if the beekeeper is reluctant to let you look around or appears uneasy about answering your questions, do not buy your bees there!

Questions to Ask When
Deciding To Buy

  • What types of bees are on sale?

  • How have the bees been fed?

  • Has there been any indication of disease in his/her colonies?

  • Have the hives been inspected?

  • Can they offer you a written guarantee?
If you are happy with the answers and proof can be provided then this is probably a good place to buy bees for pollination and of course for your own delicious raw honey on tap at a later stage.

If You Decide to Buy
Mail Ordered Honey Bees

Buying bees by mail order and you should be asking pretty much the same questions as above and of course be provided with an up-to-date certificate stating the beekeepers own hives have been inspected and are of high quality.



You will be offered a certificate and guarantee automatically if you buy your bees from them.

Please don’t make the mistake when choosing to buy, that those that cost more will be better. Shop around and you will see that prices differ greatly from supplier to supplier.

Unfortunately because of the many “Save our Bees” campaigns going on there are a few beekeepers that are being a little unscrupulous about making more money unnecessarily from you.

They will have honey bees for sale, however they may not be able to answer your questions satisfactorily. Do not be tempted to buy from them even if they are willing to drop the price for you. In fact this should set your inner alarm bells ringing!

How Many Bees Should You Have ?

Most people start off with a good colony of anywhere between 20,000 to 60,000. Some beekeepers think it advisable to buy two colonies of but this is of course your choice.

Perhaps the best way of choosing how many to buy would be researching bee keeping thoroughly beforehand because nobody likes to be disappointed.

Try to check out your local bee keeping organisation who will be only too happy to help you with any questions you may have.

Please ensure you have all the correct beekeeping equipment in place before you buy your bees and ideally your own honeybee garden or a good supply of healthy flowers and plants nearby.

Now You Have Made The Choice
When is The Best Time to Buy Bees?

The best time to buy bees is in the spring and later on in the summer months you will have your first taste of your own home grown honey.

You will find this hobby totally fascinating. You, your family and friends will enjoy the fruits of your combined labour with the amazing honey from your very own hives.



Not only will your health benefit but you will have your very own natural medicine.

Enjoy your new found hobby, I’m sure you will not regret the decision you made to grow your own honey.

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