Queen Bees

Mated Queen Bees — Local Pick Up Only

We offer young, current-year mated queens for local pickup by appointment. No shipping.

Available genetics:
• Italian — Very Gentle (California & Hawaiian Imports)
• Texan — Raised Locally (seasonal availability)

Our Italian lines are selected for gentleness and productivity.
Our Texan lines are locally adapted, hardy stock with strong performance in our region.

What You Receive

Each queen order includes:

• - One young, current-year mated queen (not marked or clipped)
• - Introduction cage with candy release tube
• - Attendant nurse bees for care during transport (outside the queen's cage)
• - Protective carrying box (design may vary)

Queens are verified laying prior to pickup.

Installation Notes

We recommend removing the old queen and waiting 24–48 hours before introducing a new queen.

Each queen is provided in a self-release candy cage. The receiving colony will gradually eat through the candy, allowing time for acclimation before release.

A brief instructional demonstration is available at pickup if needed.

Texan queens are seasonal and available during the local prime mating season only.

These come with your choice of either Italian or Texan (seasonal) bees and choice of coatings, White Paint or Wax Dipped.

Helpful Resources for Queen Installation

If you are replacing or introducing a queen for the first time, we recommend reviewing the following guides before pickup:

• - Locating Queens
• - Marking Queens
• - Installing Queens
• - Pick Up Day Information

Understanding the timing and introduction process will greatly increase acceptance success.

Limited Availibility

Please Note: Our Texan bees are seasonal, available only during the local prime mating season. Taking orders for Texan Bee Pick Up starting April 11th.

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.

Need More General Information?

For broader topics including transport, pickup day expectations, and seasonal timing, visit our
General FAQs & How-To Guides.

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.