Installing a Package of Bees

It has been a number of years since I have installed a “package” of honeybees.  But this winter we suffered heavy losses in the apiary, so it is time to get some fresh bees into the yard.

I ordered a 3 lb. package from Chris and Vanessa Rogers at Backwoods Bee Farm in Windham.  Good folks who brought about 300 packages into Maine this spring.

Below are images from my install this year.

Installing a package of bees. Empty hive, some sugar water, and a hive tool is just about all you need.
Installing a package of bees. Empty hive, some sugar water, and a hive tool is just about all you need.
3 Pound Package of Honeybees
3 Pound Package of Honeybees
Close up of a 3 Pound Package of Honeybees
Close up of a 3 Pound Package of Honeybees -for you squeamish folks
Queen Cage - hard to see, but she sure is puny.
Queen Cage – hard to see, but she sure is puny.
The few leftover bees in the package march their way into the hive.
The few leftover bees in the package march their way into the hive.

If you are looking for a good video on the process, here you go.

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