Product Overview
2027 Golden West Package Bees for Sale – 3 lb with Marked Queen & FREE Shipping
Give your apiary a strong start with our 2027 Golden West package bees for sale! Whether you're establishing a new beehive, replacing winter colony losses, or expanding an established apiary, these specially selected honey bees offer an exciting option for beginner and experienced beekeepers.
Golden West honey bees are an Italian-type breeding line developed through a research-driven selective breeding program led by beekeeper and researcher Randy Oliver. This breeding program focuses on desirable traits such as gentle temperament, strong colony development, productive honey gathering, and improved natural tolerance to Varroa mites.
Unlike honey bee varieties selected primarily for appearance, Golden West breeding emphasizes colony performance, health, and productivity. Although the line is selected for improved mite tolerance, individual colonies vary, and no package is guaranteed to be resistant to Varroa mites.
Each shipped Golden West package includes approximately 3 pounds of live honey bees, one mated and marked Golden West queen, and a feed can to provide nourishment during transportation.
FREE standard shipping is included in the purchase price!
Reserve your 2027 Golden West package bees today and prepare for the upcoming spring beekeeping season!
What's Included with Your 3 lb Golden West Package Bees?
- Approximately 3 pounds of live honey bees: Thousands of worker bees ready to begin establishing a new colony.
- One mated, marked Golden West queen: A marked queen makes locating and identifying her during future hive inspections easier.
- Feed can: Provides nourishment for the bees during shipment.
- FREE standard shipping: Shipping is included in the advertised package price.
A 3 lb package generally contains approximately 10,000 honey bees, although the exact number varies depending on the size and weight of individual bees.
Unlike a nucleus colony, a package of bees does not include drawn comb, brood frames, or stored honey. Package bees are installed into your prepared hive equipment, where the colony can begin drawing comb, raising brood, and collecting food.
What Makes Golden West Honey Bees Different?
Golden West honey bees stand apart because of the selective breeding program behind their queens. The breeding program focuses on identifying colonies that demonstrate desirable performance traits under real-world beekeeping conditions.
The goal is to develop productive, manageable colonies while improving their ability to cope with Varroa mite pressure.
Research-Driven Selective Breeding
Golden West queens originate from a breeding program developed by Randy Oliver and his family in Northern California.
For many years, their breeding efforts have focused on selecting colonies that demonstrate a combination of gentle temperament, strong population development, productive honey gathering, and low Varroa mite levels.
Breeder colonies are evaluated for their performance, and queens are selected from colonies that demonstrate the desired characteristics.
This ongoing selective breeding process is intended to improve desirable honey bee traits over successive generations.
Selected for Improved Varroa Mite Tolerance
One of the most interesting characteristics of Golden West honey bees is their breeding program's emphasis on natural Varroa mite tolerance.
Varroa mites are among the most serious threats to honey bee colonies. The Golden West breeding program works toward developing bees that are better able to maintain lower mite populations through inherited colony characteristics.
Important: Golden West honey bees are not guaranteed to be Varroa-resistant or mite-free. Individual colony performance varies, and beekeepers must continue monitoring mite populations and following an appropriate seasonal Varroa management program.
For beekeepers interested in selectively bred honey bee genetics, Golden West offers an opportunity to explore a breeding line focused on improving colony performance under mite pressure.
Generally Gentle and Manageable Colonies
Gentle temperament is an important selection goal within the Golden West breeding program.
Colonies that are difficult to manage are not preferred as breeding stock, helping maintain an emphasis on bees that can be worked during routine hive inspections.
This makes Golden West honey bees appealing to hobbyists, backyard beekeepers, and experienced apiary managers who value manageable colonies.
As with any honey bee variety, actual temperament can vary according to genetics, weather, available forage, queen condition, and management practices.
Strong Colony Growth and Spring Development
Golden West breeding also emphasizes colonies that build strong worker populations and develop rapidly when environmental conditions are favorable.
Strong spring colony development is important for establishing new hives, drawing comb, raising brood, and preparing for upcoming nectar flows.
With proper installation, supplemental feeding when necessary, and favorable weather, Golden West package bees can establish productive new colonies.
Excellent Honey Production Potential
Honey production is another important trait considered in the Golden West breeding program.
Breeding colonies are selected in part for above-average honey production and their ability to develop strong populations capable of taking advantage of available nectar flows.
Although individual results vary, Golden West bees may appeal to beekeepers seeking a balance of colony manageability, productivity, and desirable breeding characteristics.
Honey production depends on nectar availability, colony health, weather conditions, and proper management.
Performance Matters More Than Appearance
Golden West honey bees are not bred primarily for a particular color pattern.
Because the breeding program emphasizes performance and genetic diversity, individual bees may vary in appearance, including shades of yellow, golden brown, and darker coloring.
This natural variation does not indicate that a package is of lower quality or that its queen is unsuitable.
2027 Golden West Package Bee Shipping Information
FREE SHIPPING IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR GOLDEN WEST PACKAGE BEES!
Our 2027 Golden West honey bee packages are shipped live during the scheduled spring package bee shipping season.
How Your Golden West Package Bees Are Shipped
- Package bees are shipped through the United States Postal Service using the designated live-bee shipping service.
- Shipments are held at the assigned Post Office for customer pickup.
- Tracking information will be emailed when the shipping label is created or the bees have shipped.
- The selected shipping date is the anticipated shipment date, not a guaranteed arrival date.
- Actual arrival dates may vary due to weather, postal routing, and circumstances beyond our control.
- Shipping schedules may be adjusted due to weather conditions, bee availability, or carrier requirements.
IMPORTANT: Shipped package bees are held at a designated Post Office for pickup rather than delivered to your residence. The assigned pickup location may not be the Post Office closest to your home.
Once tracking information becomes available, we recommend contacting your assigned Post Office and notifying them that you are expecting a live honey bee shipment.
Customers are responsible for monitoring their tracking information and promptly picking up their bees when they become available.
Bring a government-issued photo ID matching the recipient information on your shipment.
Please have your beehive assembled, positioned, and ready before your Golden West package bees arrive!
Preparing for Your New Golden West Honey Bees
Proper preparation is an important part of successfully establishing a new honey bee colony.
Before your Golden West package bees arrive, make sure you have the necessary hive equipment and supplies ready.
- Beehive equipment: A properly assembled Langstroth hive with frames, foundation, bottom board, inner cover, and outer cover.
- Hive stand: A sturdy, level stand that keeps your hive elevated above the ground.
- Bee feeder: A suitable feeder and feeding plan to help your new colony establish itself.
- Protective equipment: A bee suit or jacket, veil, and gloves.
- Beekeeping tools: A hive tool and smoker for future inspections.
- Water source: A dependable source of clean water near your apiary.
- Hive location: A suitable location with good drainage, adequate sunlight, and a clear flight path.
Feeding Newly Installed Golden West Package Bees
Newly installed package bees need time and resources to establish their colony, draw comb, and begin raising brood.
Supplemental feeding can be especially helpful when natural nectar sources are limited or when package bees are installed on undrawn foundation.
Many beekeepers use 1:1 sugar syrup during spring colony establishment to encourage comb building and provide an accessible food source.
Monitor food supplies and adjust feeding according to local nectar availability, weather conditions, and colony development.
Introducing Your Marked Golden West Queen
Each Golden West package includes a mated, marked queen housed in a protective queen cage.
Queen introduction is an important part of establishing a successful colony. Follow the instructions supplied with your package and use the appropriate slow-release method for the queen cage provided.
Do not directly release the queen unless specifically instructed to do so.
After installation, allow sufficient time for the colony to accept its queen and begin establishing itself. Avoid unnecessary disturbances during this important period.
Why Purchase Golden West Package Bees from Lappe's Bee Supply?
At Lappe's Bee Supply & Honey Farm, we've been involved in beekeeping since 1978. We understand how important it is to begin the season with quality honey bees, dependable equipment, and helpful information.
When you order your 2027 Golden West package bees from Lappe's Bee Supply, you receive:
- FREE shipping included in the advertised package price.
- Approximately 3 pounds of live honey bees for establishing a new colony.
- One mated, marked Golden West queen included with every package.
- Access to a selectively bred honey bee line developed with an emphasis on gentleness, productivity, and improved mite tolerance.
- Helpful beekeeping information for beginner and experienced beekeepers.
- Access to a wide selection of beekeeping equipment and supplies to help you prepare for your bees.
- Service from an established, family-owned beekeeping business with decades of hands-on beekeeping experience.
Whether you're trying Golden West honey bees for the first time or adding more colonies to your apiary, we're here to help you prepare for the upcoming beekeeping season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden West Package Bees
What are Golden West honey bees?
Golden West honey bees are a selectively bred Italian-type honey bee line developed through Randy Oliver's breeding program. The program emphasizes gentle temperament, strong colony development, honey production, and improved natural tolerance to Varroa mites.
How many bees are in a 3 lb Golden West package?
A 3 lb package generally contains approximately 10,000 honey bees, although the exact number varies depending on the size and weight of individual bees.
Does my Golden West package include a queen?
Yes! Each 2027 Golden West package includes one mated, marked Golden West queen housed in a protective queen cage.
Are Golden West honey bees resistant to Varroa mites?
Golden West honey bees are selectively bred with an emphasis on improved natural Varroa mite tolerance. However, individual colonies vary, and no package is guaranteed to be mite-resistant. Regular monitoring and appropriate seasonal mite management remain essential.
Are Golden West honey bees good for beginners?
Golden West honey bees may be a good choice for beginning beekeepers because gentle temperament and manageable colonies are important goals of the breeding program. Proper hive management and regular colony health monitoring are still necessary.
Are Golden West bees good honey producers?
Honey production is one of the traits emphasized in Golden West selective breeding. With favorable forage conditions, healthy colonies, and proper management, Golden West bees can develop into productive honey-producing colonies.
What color are Golden West honey bees?
Golden West honey bees may vary in color, including golden-yellow, brown, and darker shades. The breeding program focuses on colony performance and genetic diversity rather than selecting bees for one particular appearance.
Is shipping included in the price of my Golden West package bees?
Yes! Standard shipping is included in the advertised purchase price of your Golden West package bees.
Will my Golden West package bees be delivered to my house?
No. Shipped package bees are held at a designated Post Office for customer pickup. Customers receive tracking information and must promptly retrieve their bees when they arrive.
When should I have my beehive ready?
Your beehive should be completely assembled, positioned, and ready before the scheduled shipping date. Have your feeding supplies, protective clothing, and installation equipment ready as well.
When will my 2027 Golden West package bees ship?
Golden West package bees ship during the scheduled 2027 spring shipping season. Available shipping dates are displayed with the product options. Dates are subject to weather conditions, bee availability, and carrier requirements.
What should I do if my package bees arrive damaged?
If your bees arrive damaged or with an excessive number of dead bees, contact Lappe's Bee Supply within 24 hours of receipt and provide the required photographs and order information. Please review our shipped package bee terms and conditions for complete claim requirements.
Reserve Your 2027 Golden West Package Bees Today!
2027 Golden West Package Bees – 3 lb with Mated, Marked Queen
Explore a honey bee breeding line developed with an emphasis on gentle temperament, strong colony development, honey production, and improved natural Varroa mite tolerance.
Our shipped Golden West package bees provide a convenient way to establish a new colony, replace winter losses, or expand your existing apiary.
Spring package bee availability is seasonal, and shipping dates are subject to availability.
Order your 2027 Golden West package bees today and get ready for the upcoming beekeeping season!
Please review our Shipped Package Bees & Nucs Terms & Conditions before placing your order.
For questions about shipped package bees or to report an issue with your shipment, please visit our Package Bee Help page or email [email protected].
