- Joined
- Aug 8, 2009
- Messages
- 234
- Reaction score
- 2
- Location
- South Yorkshire
- Hive Type
- 14x12
- Number of Hives
- 1 Nat & 1 WBC
Hi All
I have two hives, enjoy them very much, but do not want more. Last year (and year before) gave some bees away rather than build up more hives. I am starting to be the laughing stock of my friends ("what given them away, why not sell them?"), particularly after they hear how, how can I put it...how careful beekeepers are with their money. And to be honest it does seem a good point (especially as I may lose my job in a few weeks time if I am unlucky). So here is my question (s):
If each of my two hives show signs of swarming, and I need to take action to 'sell' the surplus bees (and queen obviously). How do I go about selling them? Do I advertise locally and see if they want to provide their own hive parts, move the bees over, and then call them back to collect them, or do I supply the hardware as well (and therefore cost in the kit)? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance (and sorry for long email)
Sally
ps I do not really want to 'make' money, but covering cost of time & effort would be good. Also, in the past I have not given any away until I have known the new queen was laying (and also to check that new bees aren't grumpy...as I wouldn't want to hand over unpleasant bees)...so when would be the best time to advertise I have some bees to sell?
I have two hives, enjoy them very much, but do not want more. Last year (and year before) gave some bees away rather than build up more hives. I am starting to be the laughing stock of my friends ("what given them away, why not sell them?"), particularly after they hear how, how can I put it...how careful beekeepers are with their money. And to be honest it does seem a good point (especially as I may lose my job in a few weeks time if I am unlucky). So here is my question (s):
If each of my two hives show signs of swarming, and I need to take action to 'sell' the surplus bees (and queen obviously). How do I go about selling them? Do I advertise locally and see if they want to provide their own hive parts, move the bees over, and then call them back to collect them, or do I supply the hardware as well (and therefore cost in the kit)? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance (and sorry for long email)
Sally
ps I do not really want to 'make' money, but covering cost of time & effort would be good. Also, in the past I have not given any away until I have known the new queen was laying (and also to check that new bees aren't grumpy...as I wouldn't want to hand over unpleasant bees)...so when would be the best time to advertise I have some bees to sell?