Buy & Sell

QUESTIONS THE BUYER SHOULD ASK THE SELLER…

1- How many frames are in the nuc?  What size are the frames?  How much brood of all ages is in the nuc?  What colour is the comb in the nuc?  (In BC, nucs are typically 3 frames of brood of all ages, with bees covering the frames, plus 1 frame of honey and pollen.  Dark comb is older and can hide pathogens.)

2- How old is the queen?  What do you know about her genetic background?  Is she marked?  Is she an overwintered survivor?  A current-year import?  Or something else?  If she is new, is she productive/was she well mated?  How long has she been laying?  (Queens are usually overwintered or new that spring.  A new queen should not be sold until she has proven herself with a satisfactory brood pattern.)

3- Will the nuc be delivered or picked up?  When will the nuc be available?  Is there a deposit on the nuc box?  When is it payable?

4- Has the nuc been inspected by a government inspector for disease and Varroa levels?  Will it be inspected?  When?  Inspection certificate available?

QUESTIONS THE SELLER SHOULD ASK THE BUYER (BECAUSE THEY WANT THE BEES THEY SELL TO SURVIVE…!)

1- Have you already taken a beekeeping course? (If not, do you plant to take a course?  When?  If you are not planning on taking a course, how do you plan to educate yourself about amazing Apis mellifera and hive management? 

2- What is your plan for Varroa control?

3- Do you have a mentor or have you joined a Club?

There are a range of factors to consider before making a decision to purchase local bees (in a nuc) or imported bees (in a package). The greatest advantage of a nuc purchase is that you end up with bees that have evolved over generations to do well in our wet coastal climate. In addition, you are supporting local beekeepers and their products.

Nucs vs. packages:
https://strathconabeekeepers.blogspot.com/2020/02/honey-bee-nucs-vs-packages.html

Health of local bees vs. imports:
https://entomologytoday.org/2014/07/15/are-local-honey-bees-healthier-than-imports/

You may have a “great opportunity” to purchase someone’s used equipment….  Is it a good idea?  That depends.  Review these articles to get a clearer idea on when used equipment might be a wise purchase.  But if you are beginner beekeeper, you will probably enjoy your first year more if you start with all new hive components.

https://www.buzzaboutbees.net/used-beekeeping-equipment.html

RISKS OF BUYING USED EQUIPMENT

The Comox Valley Bee Club does not endorse any suppliers.  This list is for members’ convenience only.