Description
We will again be offering Package Bees and Queens from several producers in Northern California. We work with producers that select for hygienic and prolific bees and queens. These bees are known for their rapid spring build up, honey production, and gentleness. We will be offering 6 different queen types. Please read below to see traits associated with different queen types, and frequently asked questions.
NEW FOR 2026: To reduce confusion due to our variety of queen types, we will only be offering 3lb Packages this year. We appreciate your understanding and hope that this will help provide a more streamlined experience for everybody. With the loss of 2lb Packages, we will be offering a new 3lb Hybrid-Cross Package at the same affordable price. To learn more about the Hybrid-Cross, please read the description below.
2lb Packages are available by request for orders of 100+. Please call to order.
If you would like to save money on your Package Bees, we offer mail-in cash forms, which will eliminate the surcharge for credit cards. To get this price, simply print out the Mail-In Order Form below, fill out the information, and mail it to the address provided with a check or money order. If you are tax-exempt and we don't already have your form on file, please fill out our Tax Exempt form and include it with your order. Note: Please make sure you also print out the corresponding price sheet and calculate your totals and taxes correctly, to eliminate any mis-written checks.
Click here for the printable mail in order form
Click here for a printable Tax Exempt Certificate
Queen Types and Characteristics:
NEW! Hybrid-Cross:
- Italian-Carnolian Hybrid produced in the lower mountain region of northern California
- A good choice for colder climates
- Excellent honey producers
- Known for hygienic behavior
- Excellent foragers
Italian:
- Gentle and easy to manage (a good “beginner bee”)
- Prolific brood producers
- Highly hygienic
- Excellent foragers
- Excellent honey producers
- May struggle in colder climates due to high brooding tendencies
New World Carniolan:
- A good choice for colder climates
- More likely to forage on cool wet days
- Quick to brood up when nectar is available
- Excellent honey producers
- More prone to swarming
Buckfast:
- Accustomed to cold wet winters, known for building up quickly in the spring
- Resistant to Tracheal Mites
- Excellent honey producers
- Low swarm tendency
- Economical in use of winter stores
- Can be more temperamental than other breeds
OHB Saskatraz:
- Selected for increased Varroa tolerance and resistance to brood diseases
- Excellent honey producers
- Show increased hygienic behavior
- Good wintering ability
- For more information Click Here
Caucasian:
- Old World strain known for gentleness and productivity
- Likely to fly earlier, later, and in cooler conditions
- Exceptional honey production
- Tend to gather large amounts of propolis
- Sanitary behaviors in the hive
- Easily handle harsh winter conditions
OHB Golden West:
- Result of Randy Oliver’s queen breeding program in the California foothills
- Bred for increased mite resistance without the use of synthetic treatments
- Selected from strains who are gentle and healthy
- Exhibit above average honey production and proved strong for pollination
- Hearty and winter well in cool climates
- For more information Click Here
FAQs:
What is a Package?
Package Bees are essentially a ready-made swarm, ideal for starting your hive in the spring. You will receive a wire or plastic cage with 3lbs of bulk honeybees, and 1 Queen Bee in her own mini cage within the cluster of bees. Once you pick up your bees, you will simply remove the feed can from the cage and shake the bees right into your hive.
Do you ship Packages?
No, our Package Bees are available for PICKUP ONLY on select dates and locations. When you pre-order your package you will be selecting an anticipated pickup date. These dates are our best estimations but they are subject to change. Due to weather, transportation delays, and conditions in California, these dates and times cannot be finalized until 48 hours before the pickup. We will continue to provide the most up-to-date information on our website leading up to pickup, and we will contact you via email and text with the final pickup times.
Does the queen type matter?
All queen types are variations of European Honeybees that have been bred over the years to lend themselves to specific traits. If you are new to beekeeping you can read the list of queen traits below and select the breed that sounds best to you, but none is better or worse than the other. Many beekeepers have certain queen types that they prefer, and different types work better for different people. If you are a new beekeeper, feel free to experiment with different types, or go with what has worked for you or your mentor in the past.
How can I save money on my Package Bees?
If you would like to save some money on your Package Bees, we offer mail-in cash forms, which will eliminate the surcharge for credit cards. To get this price, simply print out the Mail-In Order Form below, fill out the information, and mail it to the address provided with a check or money order. If you are tax-exempt, please fill out our Tax Exempt form and include it with your order. Note: Please make sure you also print out the corresponding price sheet and calculate your totals and taxes correctly, to eliminate any mis-written checks.
Click here for the printable mail In order form
Click here for a printable Tax Exempt Certificate
Videos:
How package bees are produced at C.F Koehnen & Sons Inc Click Here for the Video
Video of how Randy Oliver installs a package of bees, courtesy of OHB Watch here.
Video on how Randy Oliver replaces a Queen Watch here
Video about the Saskatraz Breeding program Watch here