New guy, with some newbie questions

[wunderdawg]

Ok..........As promised, I have newbie questions.  After checking a few suppliers, I noticed that some have already sold out of 2009 package bees.  Am I starting too late in the season?  I live in north Texas, about 60 miles north of Dallas.  I think we may have one more freeze left, and I was waiting for the weather to settle, but now I am wondering if I have waited too late.  Does anybody know of any local suppliers in this area?  

[Kathyp]

packages need to be ordered early. we order through our beekeeping supply store in February.  that said, you  may still be able to get one or two if there is a local place.  very often, the store in my area will have extra packages.
you should be able to find nucs.  they are a little more expensive, but they are a great way to start. 

try superpages.com and start calling beekeeping supply places in your area.  they should be able to point you in the right direction.

[JP]

http://www.rweaver.com/

A friend and mentor has been buying from them for many years. He depends on their bees for his beekeeping operation.


...JP

[Michael Bush]

You pretty much have to have your packages ordered by January around here.

[IABeeMan]

 Don't forget about your local beekeeping clubs. I know there are some extremely strong beekeeping groups in Texas. In our technology dependant world now days people seem to forget or choose not to interact in person.
 Look up your local group. Suppliers often order extra packages to fill an order or a Beekeeper might order extra packages because he has a borderline hive. Either way both will have extra packages if your lucky. If not its a good way to find someone with nucs for sale.

[indypartridge]

Don't forget about your local beekeeping clubs. I know there are some extremely strong beekeeping groups in Texas. In our technology dependant world now days people seem to forget or choose not to interact in person.
 Look up your local group. Suppliers often order extra packages to fill an order or a Beekeeper might order extra packages because he has a borderline hive. Either way both will have extra packages if your lucky. If not its a good way to find someone with nucs for sale.

Most beekeeping clubs have programs and/or beekeepers focused on helping new beekeepers. As IABeeMan said, many times members place orders "just in case" and have extra. Other times, a member may be willing to make a split just to help a newbee. The Internet is a great source of beekeeping info, but nothing beats having a couple local mentors.

[johnnybigfish]

Hey wonderdawg!
 PM me!..Im in Wichita Falls, about 140 miles or so north of Dallas, right on the red river almost!
I know a guy who I talked to last week who has some nucs for 50 dollars. I can give you his Phone number if you like!

your friend,
john

[Brian D. Bray]

I make it a habit of ordering my packages right after Christmas, saves a lot of hassle and Christmas is a good reminder.  Kind of like changing the batteries in the smoke alarms when you switch from Standard time to Daylight Savings time.