Beekeeping
What are the various ways in which a new beekeeper can obtain bees?
There are several different ways of getting started in the bee business:
Buying package bees; purchasing a nucleus colony (nuc); buying established
colonies; collecting swarms; and taking bees out of trees and walls.
Most beginners start with either a package or nuc. Packages are the
preferred way. In purchasing nuclei and colonies you might be buying
other beekeeper's problems, such as disease. Collecting swarms and
transferring bees is difficult and not recommended for the beginner.
The best time to start with bees is in the spring or early summer.