Have I completly missed the season

[kjones9562]

I got my hive all set to go and becuase of work I missed getting a order in for a bee package. Everwhere I call they seem to be out of bees. First Year Bee Keeper.

[Gene Weitzel]

I think it would be tough to find a package now. I booked mine last November. Might try baiting for a feral swarm. You can always re-queen if you don't like what you get (Queens are/will be a little more readilly available).

[George Fergusson]

Don't give up looking! I didn't order my first 3 nucs until April 15th last year, and I lucked into 3 more in early JUNE last year. Keep calling. Get on cancellation lists. Find your (more or less) local commercial beekeepers and talk to them. It's not necessarily too late.

After thought: The suppliers are likely sold out, but I think a lot of the local dealers that buy from the suppliers often order a few more nucs than they actually have orders for. It likely IS too late for packages, they're mostly shook, shipped, and hived by now.

[ April 28, 2006, 06:39 PM: Message edited by: George Fergusson ]

[Michael Bush]

Find a local club and I'll bet you can find someone who would sell you a few frames of brood.

[iddee]

If you will put your location in your profile someone in your area may respond with a hive or two.

[kjones9562]

Thank you all. I hav joined the local club (San Francisco) and I will ask around and continue to call. You guys are great!

[leafcutter]

Kjones - I'm a member of the SFBA. I understand packages were harder to come by this year given increased pollinator demand, a preference to sell in bulk than to lots of individuals, and a wet spring.

The president of the club sends out emails when swarms are caught or found, and tries to distribute them both first-come first-serve and fairly. Get yourself on the email list at the next meeting (5/10), and/or ask if anyone has splits to sell. Local swarms are common over the next 2 months; there's a guy on beesource in the peninsula who reported catching 3 just last week.

The club is very supportive in helping new folks get going.