Guidelines for selling a colony of bees

[Mellifera Crofter]

I know the guidelines for selling a nucleus of bees - but are there similar guidelines for selling a colony? Eight frames of brood and two of honey and pollen with space to lay - something like that?
Kitta

[The Drone Ranger]

I know the guidelines for selling a nucleus of bees - but are there similar guidelines for selling a colony? Eight frames of brood and two of honey and pollen with space to lay - something like that?
KittaHi Kitta
I suppose its mostly influenced by when in the season they are being sold
April might be a good time to buy bees but there might only be 4 frames of brood
May as you suggest 8 brood wouldnt be unusual but the buyer might expect swarming by the end of May in that case
Some strains of bees start slower and dont get to full size till later maybe even July and potentially swarm at the end of July

I think as long as the laying pattern is good and they dont have chalkbrood or varroa issues ,they are making progress not dawdling, have collected some pollen and stores then they are a fairly safe bet

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[Adam]

I don't recall that I have seen guidelines for a 'full-sized' colony. At this time of year, 7 or 8 frames or so of brood would be reasonable - a well-filled brood box - and certainly viable for winter survival.

[fatshark]

Hmmmm ... I guess that means no-one wants to buy the colony I inspected this evening ... 8 frames of stores, mostly sealed, lots and lots of old rather tired looking bees, a bit of pollen and, er, no queen :(

On a brighter note ... no laying workers.

Yet :(

[Adam]

I have two words to say:-
.
.
.
.
"Test Frame"

:)

[Mellifera Crofter]

Thank you, all.

I think, by now, nobody wants full colonies anymore. Swarms have probably moved into all their bait hives (although, swarms leaving my apiaries ignored my bait hives).

Nice to hear from you again, DR. You've been far too quiet this season.

Kitta

[The Drone Ranger]

Thanks Kitta

I pop in and read the odd post
got some honey this year for a change
Left plenty on the bees as well
good queen mating weather for a change
I haven't bothered with any nucs or mininucs this year
hope your season has gone well so far

John


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