How much is too much

[Beekeeper Jason]

A local beekeeper has messaged, he has a swarm captured and stored in two old supers with a lid and a bottom board.
He said he can deliver and install the bees for £125. Is this too much to pay?

 

[JamezF]

For a swarm of unknown provenance and temperament that may be carrying who knows what diseases? I'm going for a big fat "Yes, it's way too much".

James

 

[The Poot]

You’re in North Yorkshire…..so it must be too much!

 

[Erichalfbee]

Yes. Nobody should sell on swarms. By all
Means bring them on and sell as a colony but nothing else. Awful practice. Greed!

 

[Beekeeper Jason]

For a swarm of unknown provenance and temperament that may be carrying who knows what diseases? I'm going for a big fat "Yes, it's way too much".

James

Thanks James! That’s what I was thinking.

You’re in North Yorkshire…..so it must be too much!

You’re in North Yorkshire…..so it must be too much!

You know us too well! Always looking after the pennies!

Yes. Nobody should sell on swarms. By all
Means bring them on and sell as a colony but nothing else. Awful practice. Greed

Ok thanks for the advice. I’ll give it a miss!

 

[Sutty]

Offer a tenner!

 

[Beekeeper Jason]

Offer a tenner!

I’ve decided to be patient and follow my first plan, which is wait for a friend that I know who is splitting one of his hives. At least I’ll know they should be ok.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Yes. Nobody should sell on swarms. By all
Means bring them on and sell as a colony but nothing else. Awful practice. Greed!

charge the cost price for the frames the swarm is on, but nothing else, Immoral and greedy IMHO

 

[Beekeeper Jason]

Thanks to all of you for the responses! It’s great to have a place to get sound independent advice from honest people when us new-bees are just starting out!

 

[Newbeeneil]

I collect swarms, put them in my isolation apiary for appraisal for disease and temperament and pass them on to others for the replacement of the frames.
As others have said, charging for new swarms is unethical.