Glossary
A screened wooden box containing approximately 3 pounds (10,000 to 12,000) of worker bees, a separately caged mated queen, and a can of sugar syrup for transport. Packages are the most common way to start a new colony or replace winter losses. They are produced in southern states and shipped nationwide in spring.
A package of bees is the most common way new beekeepers get started. The package contains approximately 10,000 to 12,000 worker bees shaken from established colonies (usually in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, or California), a separately caged mated queen (who is not related to the workers), and a tin can of sugar syrup that provides food during shipping. The workers and queen are strangers to each other; the queen cage protects her while the workers acclimate to her pheromone.
Prepare a hive body with frames of foundation or drawn comb. Spray the package screen with light sugar syrup (1:1 ratio) to calm the bees. Remove the syrup can and queen cage from the package. Check that the queen is alive and active in her cage. Suspend the queen cage between two central frames (candy-plug end up). Either shake the remaining bees into the hive or set the open package in front of the hive entrance and let the bees walk in. Close up, install a feeder with 1:1 syrup, and leave them alone for 5 to 7 days (resist the urge to inspect).
After 5 to 7 days, inspect to confirm: the queen has been released from her cage (the candy plug should be eaten through), eggs are present in cells (tiny rice-grain-shaped objects standing upright in cell bottoms), and the bees are drawing comb and bringing in pollen. If the queen was not released, carefully remove the cage plug to release her manually. Continue feeding 1:1 syrup until the colony is established and natural nectar flow supports their needs.
A package is loose bees plus an unrelated queen with no comb, no brood, and no established food stores. A nuc is an established mini-colony with a laying queen, frames of drawn comb with brood, honey, and pollen, and a functioning social structure. Nucs establish faster and have higher success rates but cost 50 to 100% more than packages.
Order packages in January or February for spring delivery (March through May depending on your region). Suppliers sell out quickly, so early ordering is essential. Expect to pay to per package. Schedule installation for a mild, calm day with no rain in the forecast.
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