Selling swarms

I haven't sold any swarms that I have captured, but once those swarm bees are hived and have brood, they are just another hive.

There are some buyers that take scheduled delivery of package bees in May, so I am confident May is not too late to sell bees. Really, you can sell bees any month of the year - the only question is what is the price where buyer and seller meet.

If you've got something to sell, there is someone on Craigslist that will buy it.

Definitely. I sold 5 captured swarms last year into July/early August. I hived mine and made sure they were strong NUCs before sale. You could sell them at any stage, just be transparent on what you are selling and ask a fair price. There is always someone looking for bees.

PAHunter62

If you are going to sell a swarm, in fairness to the buyer, you should disclose that it is a swarm. Swarms most often have the old queen. Early swarms will often make a good honey crop, so lots of people like them.

In the Louisville, Nashville area, (I am midway between) you can sell almost anything, pertaining to bees, almost immediately, on Craigs List.

cchoganjr

I thought about offering up a "reward" for swarms, a lot cheaper tan buying a package or nuc and just as good IMO. I am also trying to increase my hive count as much as possible the next couple years as well.

Several in this area offer a fee, or half gallon of honey, if people call about a swarm. Only problem with this is, some times the swarm is gone by the time you get there, 0r, is too difficult to capture. People still want the fee or the honey for calling.

When posting about info on swarms just make sure they understand it is contingent upon successfully getting the swarm.

cchoganjr

I have a list of folks that I sell freshly caught swarms to just in the cardboard box I shake them into.

Prices range from $125 for early primary swarms (which I'm reluctant to sell) to $35 for late secondary swarms.

Don