Package Bees & Bulk Bees

Package bees for sale 2026 with mated and laying queen, syrup can, screened cage, 3 pounds of bees consisting of: foragers, nurse bees, and some drones.   Queen marking is available for all packages.  All packages are weighed at time of shaking / assembly.   All package bees are for pickup at our Minooka Illinois apiary.

Select from the following races / options:

Order Bulk Bees and Package Bees

Choose the Right Package Bees for Your Apiary

The best package depends on what you want to accomplish, whether you're establishing a new colony or selecting bee stock for specific management priorities. Consider factors such as temperament, seasonal performance, local conditions, and disease resistance when comparing options. As a trusted beekeeping supplier, we have several choices to suit different beekeeping goals.

Add Bee Population When Your Hive Needs It

An established hive may benefit from additional bees when its population is lower than expected or when you're building up colonies after making splits. Bulk bees can provide additional population when you already have a queen and established hive. But it's important that you first assess the colony's queen, brood, food stores, and overall health to make sure adding bees addresses the need rather than masking an underlying problem.

Explore our available bulk bees, or reach out to us at Meyer Bees for expert assistance!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do package bees differ from an established colony?

Package bees are supplied as a population of adult bees with a queen rather than as a complete colony with established comb and brood. This means the receiving hive must provide the structure and conditions the bees need to build comb and develop as a colony. Packages can be a useful way to start or expand an apiary, but they require active management during establishment.

When is it better to add bees than replace a colony?

Adding bees may make sense when the existing colony is otherwise healthy but has insufficient population for its needs. But a colony with a failing queen or disease requires attention to that underlying issue rather than simply receiving more bees.

Why does bee population matter in a hive?

A sufficiently large population allows a colony to perform essential tasks such as caring for brood, regulating the hive environment, foraging and defending its resources, and maintaining hive temperature stability.