buying an established colony

**GratefulYooper** · 03-01-2013, 03:01 PM

I recently decided that I'd like to try my hand at beekeeping this summer. I contacted an individual from craigslist that was advertising 5 frame nucs for $90. When I spoke to him and asked whether he knew anyone that might have used hives for sale, he told me he could sell me established colonies for $200 each. He's bringing them up from FL to Northern WI at the end of April to early May.

Each colony includes:
2013 Italian queen
two deeps
two medium supers
bottom board
cover

What are some variables that I should be aware of when inspecting these colonies? Thanks in advance for your shared knowledge.

**arthur** · 03-01-2013, 03:04 PM

One variable is whether they are stolen or not.

My thinking is that is a very low price.

I think in general you want to know how healthy the hive is. I can't explain in one post what it means to have a healthy hive. You will need to do some reading.

**Mbeck** · 03-01-2013, 03:26 PM

That seems like a very good deal.

As I new beekeeper I would focus on buying bees from a reputable beekeeper. You may not know what to look for so you need a trustworthy source.

**bluegrass** · 03-01-2013, 03:32 PM

My primary concern would be that you would be introducing Small Hive Beatles to your area. Any hive coming up from the south is bound to have SHB present and they could completely ruin your first season as a new bee.

Secondly I would be concerned that for $200.00 you are getting old half rotted equipment.

**Vance G** · 03-01-2013, 03:48 PM

What you are getting is two used deeps worth about six bucks apiece, frames that may or may not be serviceable and can be replaced for under forty bucks. My migratory covers and bottom boards cost maybe ten bucks to make. SO that is sixty or seventy bucks worth of equipment fair market value. If you have eight or 9 frames of brood the deal is a winner for you. Hopefully you can recognize foulbrood and the poor brood pattern of a failing hive or queen. If it looks good it is. Problem with tying into the deal is what do you do for bees if the deal is a stinker. The thought of no bees might cause you to buy into something you shouldn't. Maybe you could get one double and one nuc and see which is best for next year.

**Jeffzhear** · 03-01-2013, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by bluegrass

My primary concern would be that you would be introducing Small Hive Beatles..."

Secondly I would be concerned that for $200.00 you are getting old half rotted equipment.

I agree with the $200 bucks being low. I would hold payment until I saw the hives and bees and looked at what I got. I would have an experienced beekeep look in the hives when they arrive. As for small hive beetles, I deal with them here all the time as as long as the hives remain healthy they seem to be able to keep the hive beetles in check. Maybe I have just been lucky.

**GratefulYooper** · 03-01-2013, 04:12 PM

I'll look up foulbrood and poor brood patterns. I'll also look up small hive beetles. Thanks for the tips.

Payment is due upon delivery so I'll have an opportunity to check everything out before I buy them. I suppose I'll just have to trust that they're not stolen.

**Tim Bates** · 03-01-2013, 04:15 PM

Who's the source? Maybe someone here has already dealt with them and can shed some light.

Found a couple links
http://www.beesource.com/forums/show...bees+Wisconsin

This is an older one
http://www.beesource.com/forums/show...es-Southern-WI

**GratefulYooper** · 03-01-2013, 04:17 PM

His name is Vince from Green Bay, WI.

**codyjp** · 03-01-2013, 04:20 PM

I have caught my first two swarms that are now hives. It isn't the fastest way to do things but it was sure fun.

**arthur** · 03-01-2013, 04:40 PM

If no SHB were a prerequisite to buying bees in Texas, no one would have any bees to buy. My hives all have SHB. But they are healthy and fine.

**Malcolm** · 03-01-2013, 04:56 PM

If you want to buy an established hive, why not get with some beekeepers from Michigan. There are a lot of great beekeepers up there that would probably sell you something. Worth a try. Get some bees that are used to the area. Try michiganbeekeepers.com

**GratefulYooper** · 03-01-2013, 05:05 PM

I'm in the central and southern most portion of the Upper Peninsula, so I'm closer to Green Bay, WI. There's a club in Marquette, but that's more than twice as far from me as Green Bay.

**dixiebooks** · 03-02-2013, 01:55 PM

"...5 frame nucs for $90..."

I'd be tempted to take a look at these. Are they put-together nucs (a package with a queen and some used frames) or an established nuc? If an established nuc, that is a good price. You could move them into new 10-frame equipment (and not have to worry about what diseases may be present) and let them make new comb on the additional frames. Plus, you'll have a nuc box handy that you will surely be able to use before too long. -js