Apiary Starter Kits

Complete Apiary Starter Kit

This kit includes our Honey Super Deluxe Hive Set with bees installed, plus the essential tools and instruction needed to get started.

The hive components are available in your choice of coating: Traditional White Painted or Natural Wax Dipped.

Each Starter Kit includes one seat in the Basic Beekeeping Class.

What’s Included

Each Complete Apiary Starter Kit includes:

• Honey Super Deluxe Hive Set with Italian bees installed
• 5-frame nucleus colony with a young mated queen
• 1.5-gallon internal frame feeder
• Medium honey super with frames
• Hive tool
• 4" x 7" Smoker
• One seat in the Basic Beekeeping Class ($50 value)

Adding Additional Hives

Additional Honey Super Deluxe Hive Sets may be ordered with your kit for the same pickup date. These additional hives include bees and feeder but do not include extra tools or class seats.

Additional class seats may also be added if needed.

Optional Add-Ons

• Additional Honey Super Deluxe Hive Set (without tools or class seat)
• Additional Class Seats
• Personal Protective Gear
• Veils, jackets, full suits, and gloves available in standard sizes.

See the Specifications section below for complete hive component details.
Expand the FAQs section below for pickup and transport information.

Each Hive Set Includes:

• 5 Frame Nucleus Colony of Italian Bees with Young Mated Queen
• 9 5/8" Deep Hive Body (brood box) with 8 frames (5 with bees, 3 blank with waxed Rite-Cell® foundation)
• 6 5/8" Medium Hive Body (honey super) with 10 frames of waxed Rite-Cell® foundation
• This box does not contain bees - yet; it is to be added later as the colony expands, typically within 1–3 weeks.
• Telescoping Top Cover with Inner Cover
• 4" Screened Bottom Board with Entrance Reducer
• 1.5 Gallon Internal Frame Feeder
• One mite control strip (installed at time of pickup)
• Ratchet strap for secure transport
• 4" x 7" Smoker
• 9" Hive Tool
• One seat in the Basic Beekeeping Class
• Additional Seats may be added as needed. Visit the Classes Page to add additional seats.

Limited Availability

As with most things ag related, many things in beekeeping are dependent on seasons, so not everything is available at all times.

Please Note: Our Texan line of bees are seasonal, not available until the local prime mating season each year. We begin taking orders for mid to late spring Texan Bee Pickup Dates in the fall.

Picking Up Orders — With or Without Bees

We offer convenient “curbside” pickup for customers on the go with minimal delays. For those who would like a closer look, we can open the hives and show you the bees and queens on any available Pick Up Date.

When placing your order, you will select from multiple pickup dates. Hive purchase options are available with or without our popular Basic Beekeeping Class.

Classes are held in the mornings, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, followed by bee pickup and loading in the afternoon.

Appointments are required for all pickups.

Below you will find links addressing some of the most common questions we receive regarding pickup procedures.

For complete details, please review our Order Pickup Instructions before placing your order.

Transport & Pickup

Honey bees, like most other livestock, require attention to the details to keep them safe and healthy. Such as maintaining proper temperatures and ventilation. Therefore, timely pickup and proper handling is recommended.

• Provide adequate ventilation during transport
• Avoid leaving bees unattended in hot vehicles

Failure to follow pickup instructions, particularly in hot weather, may result in loss of bees. (see Pickup notes below)

We have a dedicated section explaining how to safely move your bees, get them properly set up, and transport them in different types of weather.

It's always beneficial to know before you get started.

Purpose:

• Live animal handling
• Pickup requirements
• Temperature / timing expectations

Visit the Transporting Bees section for more information.

Transport & Common Questions

American Made and Honey Bee Approved!

• All hive parts are fully assembled and are either primed and painted white (normally) with high quality exterior latex paint or hot wax dipped for protection from the elements with the natural wood look.
• All orders are subject to the availability of raw materials. All prices are subject to change without notice.
• All Hives, Bees, Parts and Supplies are Local Pick Up Only. Shipping is not an option.

Visit the Beekeeping Help section for general information about bees and beekeeping, including picking up and transporting bees, and much more.

The Short & Sweet Fine Print

All orders are subject to the availability of raw materials. All prices are subject to change without notice.

All Hives, Bees, Parts and Supplies are Local Pick Up Only. Shipping is not available.

Educational content on this website is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as veterinary, agricultural, or legal advice.

Beekeeping practices vary by region, climate, and experience level. By consulting appropriate local resources and professionals when making management decisions often produces the desired and best results.