Some are inquiring on when their nucs will be ready. Please BEE patient.
I will explain the process in which nucleus colonies are created and what happened this year:
Normally it is one of our hives that we pull 5 frames from making a "split". That is not happening this year due to the drought and winds in my valley. Our hives are not building. So I had to go in and take out my queens from last year to install new queens for your nucleus colonies.
I was supposed to have queens every month of the year from my Hawaiian supplier. He had family issues and did not produce any queens. I ordered 50 queens from someone out of Georgia. His father was a friend of my family. I Paid for the queens on March 16th, they were supposed to arrive 03/25.....they did not and that is a very long stressful story. I ordered another 100 queens from a friend of my family that is extremely reliable. Those came in right about the same time as the other 50 finally arrived. With 150 queens now to install.......I press on.
Did I mention the bees, though being stimulated with ultra bee, sugar syrup and even probiotic bee bites are not building? It takes approximately 8 pounds of honey and the correct age of house bees to build 1 pound of wax. I do not have a nectar flow.
Since new queens are in and time is running short I starting removing last years queens and installing the new queens as I mentioned on 4/20 so lets do some math. Time from taking out queen to installing new queen, new queen chewed out or manually released from cage. New queen getting stimulated to start laying eggs, doing inspections to check queen acceptance and laying. I am calling those that had placed their order first. If you do not hear from me by 5/9 please drop a text.
Predictions are a heavy monsoon. Please pray, do a chant, a rain dance anything you can to help.....wash your cars, hang out laundry. The monsoon rains should cause the mesquites to have a second bloom. With wildflowers and non-natives in residential areas your nucleus colonies should build.
However, if you want a refund please file a request. I have people on a waiting list that are hoping you don't want your bees. :)
4/20/2025
Queens have arrived and we are installing them and then checking laying patterns before the nucs go out the door. You will be texted when your nuc(s) are available for pickup. Nuc orders are being filled on a first to order, first to fill basis. Please be patient.
Italian queens are currently available.
Beekeeping Items available:
Excluders - 5 New 10 Frame Plastic
Mann Lake Sideliner Uncapper
Probiotic Bee Bites
Wax Blocks for crafting or adding to foundation
Homestead Items:
Moringa Starts
Please text Monica at 520-240-0532 for more information.