Where to Order Bees...

[tenderton]

Hi All,
Ready to order my bees for the first time and am wondering where to get them from. I live in the Western New York area, about 30 miles north of Buffalo. Looking to see if I can find bees that are raised in this area so they are used to the cold. Is there such a thing? Or are all northern bees just brought up from the south normally. Looking for as many sources fairly near my area as I can find to choose from. I understand that I may have to drive several hours to pick them up. Not a problem, am more than willing to do that for some good bees. Second question is what do most beekeepers recommend as a good cold weather breed that is good for a 1st timer.
Thanks for any and all info anyone can provide. It's greatly appreciated.

[Magnum12]

I am not sure if you will get the answer you want but Royal might be able to help you.
http://www.draperbee.com/index.htm
Good Luck

[indypartridge]

... Looking to see if I can find bees that are raised in this area so they are used to the cold. Is there such a thing?

Yes. I always recommend buying local bees when possible. Contact some bee clubs and ask for names of beekeepers who sell nucs.
http://www.masterbeekeeper.org/resources/beegroups.htm

[NDnewbeek]

Back in 2008 - when I was visiting back east - I picked up a couple of good nucs from these folks:

Ford's Honey Farm
Gary and Terry Ford
1883 Castle Road
Newport, NY 13416
315 891 3339
315 868 9381
www.fordshoneyfarm.com


One of them is still going (3rd winter now). It has swarmed only once in that time and is on its third daughter queen (would have been only 2 had I been able to keep it from swarming).

[JohnAllen]

I recommend checking with Bob Brachman, not too far from you.

http://www.coldcountryqueens.com/to%...r%20Queens.htm

[Stonefly7]

What about "SQKCRK", Mark. He posts here quite often. He is in Brasher Falls NY. Not sure his location to yours, but has plenty of bees. Don't know if he does nucs or not. Worth a PM.

Kind regards,

[StevenG]

As you check around, ask about "treatment free" bees. Or "resistant bees". Or ask "How do you treat your bees?" This means bees that do not require treatments for mites. You'll save a bundle on aggravation and chemicals if you'll go that route. There are those who will disagree, but that's the nature of the forum. You find two suppliers, one who doesn't treat, the other who does, your choice which to buy.

Another possibility if treatment free or resistant bees are not available in your area, get your colonies up and running, then mail order a resistant queen and requeen. There are several sources for just such a possibility.
Regards,
Steven