Product Overview
2027 Golden West Package Bees for Sale – 3 lb with Marked Queen | Iowa Pickup Only
AVAILABLE FOR SPRING 2027 PICKUP AT LAPPE'S BEE SUPPLY IN EAST PERU, IOWA!
IMPORTANT: THESE PACKAGE BEES ARE FOR LOCAL PICKUP ONLY. THEY WILL NOT BE SHIPPED.
Start your beekeeping season with our 2027 Golden West package honey bees for sale! Whether you're establishing a new beehive, replacing winter colony losses, or expanding an existing apiary, Golden West honey bees offer an exciting option for beekeepers interested in productive colonies and selectively bred honey bee genetics.
Golden West honey bees are an Italian-type breeding line developed through a selective breeding program led by beekeeper and researcher Randy Oliver. The program emphasizes desirable characteristics such as gentle temperament, strong colony development, honey production, and improved natural tolerance to Varroa mites.
Each Golden West package includes approximately 3 pounds of live honey bees and one mated, marked Golden West queen housed in a protective queen cage.
Reserve your 2027 Golden West package bees today! Spring availability is seasonal and quantities may be limited.
2027 Golden West Package Bee Pickup Information
Pickup Location: Lappe's Bee Supply & Honey Farm – East Peru, Iowa
Our Golden West package bees will be available for pickup during Spring 2027. We will email pickup information and scheduling details closer to April 2027.
- Iowa pickup only: Customers must pick up their package bees directly from our East Peru, Iowa location.
- No shipping: This particular product is not available for shipment.
- Pickup notifications: Pickup information and instructions will be communicated by email.
- Valid email required: Please provide an email address that you check regularly when placing your order.
- Pickup scheduling: Dates and arrangements are subject to bee availability, weather conditions, and the scheduled spring arrival of our packages.
PLEASE NOTE: Do not arrive to pick up your package bees until you have received the appropriate pickup information from Lappe's Bee Supply.
Ordering Additional Beekeeping Equipment
If you're purchasing beekeeping equipment that you would like to pick up at the same time as your Golden West package bees, you may include those items on the same order.
Additional equipment purchased on the same order will be held for pickup with your package bees.
If you would prefer to have your equipment shipped ahead of time so you can assemble and prepare your beehive, please place your equipment on a separate order from your package bees.
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.
- Protective queen cage: The queen is housed separately to allow for proper introduction and acceptance by the colony.
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 frames of drawn comb, brood, or stored honey. Package bees are intended to be installed into your prepared beehive equipment.
Important Instructions for Transporting Your Package Bees Home
Proper transportation is extremely important after picking up your Golden West package bees.
Keep your package bees in a cool, protected, well-ventilated area and out of direct sunlight during transportation.
Never leave package bees in a hot vehicle, enclosed trunk, or another area without adequate airflow.
Honey bees generate heat, and enclosed spaces can become dangerously hot very quickly. Overheating can cause serious stress, kill worker bees, and negatively affect the queen's health.
Plan your trip home ahead of time and transport your bees directly to their prepared hive location whenever possible.
Your package bees become your responsibility once you accept them and leave our pickup location.
Lappe's Bee Supply Iowa Pickup Package Bee Quality Guarantee
At Lappe's Bee Supply, we want customers to be satisfied with the package bees they receive.
Our Highest Quality Guarantee applies to package honey bees picked up directly from our East Peru, Iowa location.
If you are not completely satisfied with your package of bees at the time of pickup, you do not have to accept that package. You may instead choose a complete refund of the purchase price for that package.
Customers must choose either to accept their package bees or receive the applicable refund. Customers cannot keep the package bees and also receive a complete refund.
Packages are distributed in order. We are unable to sort through packages or allow customers to select specific packages based on personal preference.
The Highest Quality Guarantee ends when the customer accepts the package bees and leaves our pickup location. After that point, transportation conditions, installation, queen introduction, colony management, and other events are the customer's responsibility.
This guarantee applies only to package bees picked up directly from Lappe's Bee Supply in East Peru, Iowa.
Please review our Package Honey Bees Terms & Conditions for additional policies and requirements.
What Makes Golden West Honey Bees Different?
Golden West honey bees are the result of a selective breeding program developed by Randy Oliver and his family in Northern California.
The program emphasizes desirable honey bee characteristics, including gentle temperament, strong population development, productive honey gathering, and improved natural tolerance to Varroa mites.
Rather than selecting honey bees primarily for appearance, the breeding program focuses on colony performance and traits that can contribute to successful beekeeping.
Selected for Improved Varroa Mite Tolerance
One of the most interesting characteristics of Golden West honey bees is the breeding program's emphasis on improving natural tolerance to Varroa mites.
Varroa mites are among the most serious threats to honey bee colonies. The Golden West breeding program evaluates colonies for desirable characteristics associated with maintaining lower mite populations.
By selecting breeding stock from colonies demonstrating desirable performance, the program works toward improving these characteristics over successive generations.
IMPORTANT: Golden West honey bees are not guaranteed to be Varroa-resistant or mite-free. Individual colonies vary, and beekeepers must continue monitoring mite populations and maintaining an appropriate seasonal Varroa management program.
Gentle Temperament and Manageability
Gentle temperament is another important selection goal of the Golden West breeding program.
Colonies that are easier to manage can make routine hive inspections more comfortable and efficient, particularly for beekeepers maintaining several hives.
Golden West bees may appeal to hobbyists, backyard beekeepers, and experienced apiary managers interested in manageable colonies.
As with any honey bee variety, actual temperament can vary depending on genetics, queen condition, weather, nectar availability, and management practices.
Strong Spring Colony Development
Golden West breeding also emphasizes strong population growth and colony development.
Strong spring buildup helps colonies draw comb, raise brood, gather food, and prepare for upcoming nectar flows.
With proper installation, supplemental feeding when necessary, and favorable environmental conditions, Golden West package bees can establish productive new colonies.
Actual colony growth depends on queen performance, available forage, weather, feeding, and overall colony health.
Excellent Honey Production Potential
Honey production is another important characteristic considered within the Golden West breeding program.
Breeding colonies are evaluated for productivity and their ability to build strong populations capable of gathering nectar during available honey flows.
Golden West bees may be an appealing option for beekeepers interested in a combination of productivity, manageability, and selectively developed genetics.
Actual honey production varies depending on nectar availability, colony strength, weather conditions, colony health, and beekeeper management.
Performance Matters More Than Appearance
Golden West honey bees are not bred primarily for one particular color pattern.
Individual bees may vary in appearance, including shades of yellow, golden brown, and darker coloring.
This natural variation is expected within a breeding program focused on colony performance and genetic diversity rather than appearance alone.
Preparing for Your Golden West Package Bees
We recommend having your beehive assembled, positioned, and completely ready before your scheduled pickup date.
Before bringing your package bees home, make sure you have:
- A properly assembled Langstroth beehive with frames and foundation.
- A sturdy hive stand and suitable apiary location.
- A bee feeder and an appropriate feeding plan.
- Protective clothing, gloves, and a veil.
- A hive tool and smoker.
- A reliable water source near your apiary.
- A plan for installing your package bees and introducing their queen.
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 the colony's 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.
Proper queen introduction is important for establishing a successful colony.
Follow the installation and queen-release instructions supplied with your package. Use the appropriate slow-release method for the queen cage provided.
Do not directly release the queen unless specifically instructed to do so.
Allow sufficient time for the colony to accept its queen and begin establishing itself. Avoid unnecessary disturbances during this important period.
Why Buy Your 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 reserve your 2027 Golden West package bees for Iowa pickup, you receive:
- Convenient pickup at our East Peru, Iowa location.
- Approximately 3 pounds of live honey bees for establishing a new colony.
- One mated, marked Golden West queen included with your package.
- Our Iowa Pickup Highest Quality Guarantee at the time of pickup.
- 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden West Package Bees for Iowa Pickup
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.
When will my 2027 Golden West package bees be available for pickup?
Our Golden West package bees are expected to be available during Spring 2027. We will email pickup information and scheduling details closer to April 2027.
Where do I pick up my Golden West package bees?
Package bees must be picked up directly from Lappe's Bee Supply & Honey Farm in East Peru, Iowa.
Can my Golden West package bees be shipped?
No. This product is available for Iowa pickup only and cannot be shipped. Customers who need shipping should select our Golden West shipped package bee listing instead.
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 can vary.
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 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 mite monitoring and appropriate seasonal management remain necessary.
Are Golden West honey bees good for beginners?
Golden West bees may be a good choice for beginning beekeepers because gentle temperament and manageable colonies are important selection 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. Individual colonies can develop into productive honey producers when adequate forage, favorable weather, and proper management are available.
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 emphasizes performance rather than one particular appearance.
Can I order beekeeping equipment with my package bees?
Yes. Equipment purchased on the same order will be held for pickup with your package bees. If you want equipment shipped ahead of time, please place it on a separate order.
How should I transport my Golden West package bees home?
Transport your package bees in a cool, protected, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Never leave live bees in an overheated vehicle or enclosed area without adequate airflow.
What if I'm not satisfied with my package bees at pickup?
Under our Iowa Pickup Highest Quality Guarantee, you may decline the package at the time of pickup and receive a complete refund of its purchase price. You cannot retain the package and receive a complete refund. The guarantee ends when you accept the package and leave our pickup location.
Reserve Your 2027 Golden West Package Bees for Iowa Pickup!
2027 Golden West Package Bees – Approximately 3 lb with Mated, Marked Queen
IOWA PICKUP ONLY – EAST PERU, IOWA
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 Golden West package bees provide an excellent opportunity to establish a new colony, replace winter losses, or expand your existing apiary.
Spring package bee availability is seasonal, and pickup dates are subject to bee availability and weather conditions.
Reserve your 2027 Golden West package bees today!
Please review our Package Honey Bees Terms & Conditions before placing your order.
Questions? Email [email protected].
