Author Topic: buying bees  (Read 10332 times)

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Offline ward

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buying bees
« on: June 17, 2014, 12:28:36 pm »
I put in an order to buy a nuc back in February from a supplier in Brewster, NY. They were supposed to be ready June 7th. When I called on the 7th, they said that was a pick up day. The shipping would be June 11th and we would get an email with tracking numbers. It is now the 17th and I am starting to think I may have to look elsewhere. They do not answer emails and their mailbox is full so you cannot leave a message.

I would like to buy a nuc or package with queen. If the original order shows up then I would have two hives. Does anyone know where I can buy northern bees at this late date?

I live in Massachusetts. They would need to be shipped if outside of New England.

It would be a shame to have to wait until next year when our equipment is ready now.

Offline CpnObvious

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #1 on: June 17, 2014, 02:22:34 pm »
The date has just passed... but might not hurt to contact these folks: http://burlington.craigslist.org/grd/4502457743.html : http://shop.honeybeeheadquarters.com

not sure if they are northern-bred



Offline Papakeith

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #2 on: June 17, 2014, 02:29:01 pm »
a bit East from you but you could try Warm Colors Apiary to see if they have any nucs left
I'm starting to think that the bees are keeping me...

Offline ward

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #3 on: June 17, 2014, 04:21:31 pm »
Thank you for your suggestions. I may also be able to get a nuc in 2 weeks from New England Apiaries in Westfield. They are raising a queen for a nuc and it may work out for us. Hopefully something works for us this year.

Offline robo

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #4 on: June 17, 2014, 09:04:14 pm »
If you don't have any luck, let me know.  Not sure where you are in Mass,  but I travel to Poughkeepsie, NY on a regular basis and can provide northern treatment free nucs.

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison


Offline Perry

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #5 on: June 17, 2014, 09:07:44 pm »
If you don't have any luck, let me know.  Not sure where you are in Mass,  but I travel to Poughkeepsie, NY on a regular basis and can provide northern treatment free nucs.

Geez, that Robo, he'd give you the shirt off his back, or in this case, the bees off his face.  ;D
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Offline LazyBkpr

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #6 on: June 17, 2014, 10:08:40 pm »
LOL!!
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Offline riverbee

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #7 on: June 18, 2014, 01:00:18 am »
"Thank you for your suggestions. I may also be able to get a nuc in 2 weeks from New England Apiaries in Westfield. They are raising a queen for a nuc and it may work out for us. Hopefully something works for us this year."

hey ward, let us know how everything worked out for you.  if i lived anywhere close to robo, i'd be buying his bees.....

tough year for bees this year, wish you well!
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Offline ward

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #8 on: June 20, 2014, 09:27:56 pm »
We are going to the Mass Bee Annual Field Day tomorrow in South Deerfield, MA where there are workshops and vendors all about beekeeping. Maybe we can make some contacts there. Also, New England Apiaries in Westfield, MA said they may have a nuc by July 1st. No promises. I'll keep you posted.

Offline ward

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #9 on: June 20, 2014, 09:30:42 pm »
Robo, we'll get back to you after tomorrow's beekeeping fair. Thanks for the offer.

Offline CpnObvious

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #10 on: June 20, 2014, 10:41:47 pm »
Ward,
Wish I had known that was going on... My weekend is PACKED or I would've gone.  I'm only an hour from Deerfield.

Offline ward

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #11 on: June 21, 2014, 06:39:35 pm »
The beekeeping field day was very good. Brushey Mt and Betterbee  were there. The workshops were excellent for beginners as well as experienced beekeepers. We were not able to buy any bees, but still waiting on Westfield.

Offline ward

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #12 on: June 22, 2014, 07:49:44 pm »
There is an old fellow wanting to sell 5 complete hives if anyone is interested. I wanted to buy one of them but he wants to sell all five to one buyer. he lives in Highland Mills, NY. He is listed on Craig's List.

Offline CpnObvious

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #13 on: June 23, 2014, 08:14:50 am »
Seems kind of crazy.  Why not sell them individually?  You'd think he could get rid of them faster.

Offline ward

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #14 on: June 23, 2014, 03:27:23 pm »
Going to Chicopee, MA to buy a hive tonight. Hope it works out.

Offline lazy shooter

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #15 on: June 23, 2014, 04:51:20 pm »
Let us know how the hive works for you?  I keep thinking a hive could be the most cost effective way to purchase bees.

Offline riverbee

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #16 on: June 23, 2014, 08:54:24 pm »
"Going to Chicopee, MA to buy a hive tonight. Hope it works out."

wish you well ward!  let us know if you were able to purchase a hive.
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Offline apisbees

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #17 on: June 23, 2014, 10:10:20 pm »
As it is getting late in the beekeeping season A hive will provide him with a good start for this year. It is terable to here of so many that are having problems securing good bees.
Let up know how you make out.
Honey Judge, Beekeeping Display Coordinator, Armstrong Fair and Rodeo.

Offline ward

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #18 on: June 23, 2014, 11:05:35 pm »
We were able to purchase a hive chock full of honey bees and transported it home without incident from Chicopee, MA. The family we bought them from has 9 more hives to sell. If anyone needs bees I would be glad to give you the info. We found them on Craig's List. The bees have been well cared for. We feel blessed to have found them.

Offline LazyBkpr

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Re: buying bees
« Reply #19 on: June 23, 2014, 11:48:26 pm »
Good deal. Glad to hear it!!
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