Product Overview
2027 Saskatraz Package Bees for Sale – 3 lb with Marked Queen & FREE Shipping
Get your apiary ready for spring with our 2027 Saskatraz package bees for sale! Whether you're starting a new beehive, replacing winter colony losses, or expanding an established apiary, Saskatraz honey bees offer an exciting option for beekeepers interested in productive colonies and carefully selected honey bee genetics.
Saskatraz honey bees originate from a Canadian selective breeding program focused on desirable colony characteristics, including honey production, wintering ability, spring population growth, hygienic behavior, and improved tolerance to Varroa mites.
These characteristics make Saskatraz bees particularly appealing to beekeepers who value colony productivity, seasonal adaptability, and breeding programs focused on honey bee health.
Each shipped Saskatraz package includes approximately 3 pounds of live honey bees, one mated and marked Saskatraz queen, and a feed can to provide nourishment during transportation.
FREE standard shipping is included in the purchase price!
Reserve your 2027 Saskatraz package bees today and prepare for the upcoming spring beekeeping season!
What's Included with Your 3 lb Saskatraz Package Bees?
- Approximately 3 pounds of live honey bees: Thousands of worker bees ready to begin establishing a new colony.
- One mated, marked Saskatraz 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 prepared hive equipment, where the colony can begin drawing comb, raising brood, and collecting food.
What Makes Saskatraz Honey Bees Different?
Saskatraz honey bees are the result of a selective breeding program developed in Saskatchewan, Canada. The program began in the mid-2000s with the goal of improving economically important honey bee characteristics while maintaining genetic diversity.
Rather than selecting exclusively for one trait, the Saskatraz breeding program considers several characteristics that contribute to colony performance and long-term sustainability.
Selected for Excellent Honey Production Potential
Honey production is one of the primary selection criteria of the Saskatraz breeding program.
Breeding colonies are evaluated for desirable productivity characteristics, including their ability to develop strong worker populations and gather nectar during available honey flows.
For beekeepers interested in honey production, Saskatraz genetics offer a breeding background that places particular emphasis on colony productivity.
Actual honey yields depend on colony strength, available nectar sources, weather conditions, colony health, and beekeeper management.
Developed with Wintering Ability in Mind
Because the Saskatraz breeding program originated in Saskatchewan, wintering ability has been an important consideration in selecting breeding stock.
Colonies have been evaluated for their ability to survive challenging seasonal conditions while maintaining desirable productivity and health characteristics.
This makes Saskatraz bees an appealing option for beekeepers in regions with colder winters.
Important: Saskatraz genetics do not guarantee successful overwintering. Healthy colonies, adequate food reserves, appropriate winter preparation, and effective Varroa mite management remain essential.
Selected for Improved Varroa Mite Tolerance
One of the most interesting features of the Saskatraz breeding program is its emphasis on developing honey bees with improved natural tolerance to Varroa mites.
Varroa mites are among the most significant threats to honey bee colonies. The Saskatraz program uses selective breeding to identify and reproduce colonies that demonstrate desirable responses to mite pressure.
Some Saskatraz breeding families have demonstrated useful mite-related traits, including hygienic behavior and Varroa-sensitive hygiene.
Important: Saskatraz honey bees are not guaranteed to be Varroa-resistant or mite-free. Individual colony performance can vary considerably, and beekeepers must continue monitoring mite populations and following an appropriate seasonal Varroa management program.
Hygienic Behavior and Colony Health
Hygienic behavior is another important characteristic considered within the Saskatraz breeding program.
Hygienic honey bees can detect and remove certain unhealthy or abnormal brood from their colonies. This behavior is one of several natural colony defenses that researchers and queen breeders study when selecting honey bee stock.
The breeding program also considers resistance or susceptibility to certain brood diseases as part of its overall colony-health objectives.
These selection goals do not mean that individual Saskatraz colonies are immune to disease or that routine hive health management can be skipped.
Strong Spring Population Development
Spring population growth is an important part of establishing productive honey bee colonies.
Saskatraz breeding efforts consider the ability of colonies to develop worker populations when seasonal conditions become favorable.
Strong spring development can help colonies draw comb, raise brood, gather food, and prepare for upcoming nectar flows.
Actual colony growth depends on queen performance, available pollen and nectar, weather, feeding, and colony health.
Temperament and Manageability
Temperament is another characteristic considered during Saskatraz breeding selection.
Many beekeepers appreciate honey bee colonies that are manageable during routine hive inspections, particularly when maintaining several hives.
Saskatraz colonies can vary in temperament because the breeding population contains multiple genetic families. Individual colony behavior should always be evaluated rather than assuming every Saskatraz colony will respond identically.
Genetic Diversity and Selective Breeding
Saskatraz honey bees are not simply another name for Italian or Carniolan bees. They represent a selectively developed breeding population with multiple genetic families.
The program has used breeding methods such as natural selection, outcrossing, and evaluation of offspring to develop and maintain desirable traits.
Because of this genetic diversity, individual Saskatraz colonies may vary in color, temperament, productivity, and other characteristics.
The emphasis is on breeding performance rather than producing honey bees with one specific appearance.
2027 Saskatraz Package Bee Shipping Information
FREE SHIPPING IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR SASKATRAZ PACKAGE BEES!
Our 2027 Saskatraz honey bee packages are shipped live during the scheduled spring package bee shipping season.
How Your Saskatraz 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 Saskatraz package bees arrive!
Preparing for Your New Saskatraz Honey Bees
Proper preparation is an important part of successfully establishing a new honey bee colony.
Before your Saskatraz 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 Saskatraz 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 Saskatraz Queen
Each Saskatraz 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 Saskatraz 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 Saskatraz 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 Saskatraz queen included with every package.
- Access to a selectively developed honey bee breeding population focused on productivity, wintering ability, and colony health characteristics.
- 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 Saskatraz honey bees for the first time or expanding your existing apiary, we're here to help you prepare for the upcoming beekeeping season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saskatraz Package Bees
What are Saskatraz honey bees?
Saskatraz honey bees originate from a selective breeding program developed in Saskatchewan, Canada. The program emphasizes honey production, wintering ability, spring colony development, hygienic behavior, and improved Varroa mite tolerance.
How many bees are in a 3 lb Saskatraz 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 Saskatraz package include a queen?
Yes! Each 2027 Saskatraz package includes one mated, marked Saskatraz queen housed in a protective queen cage.
Are Saskatraz honey bees resistant to Varroa mites?
Saskatraz bees are selectively bred with an emphasis on improved Varroa mite tolerance. However, individual colonies vary, and no package is guaranteed to be mite-resistant. Regular mite monitoring and appropriate seasonal treatments remain essential.
Are Saskatraz honey bees good for cold climates?
Wintering ability is an important selection criterion in the Saskatraz breeding program. Saskatraz genetics may appeal to beekeepers in colder regions, although successful overwintering depends on colony health, food reserves, winter preparation, and mite management.
Are Saskatraz bees good honey producers?
Honey production is one of the primary selection goals of the Saskatraz breeding program. Individual colonies can develop into productive honey producers when adequate forage, favorable weather, and proper management are available.
Are Saskatraz honey bees gentle?
Temperament is considered in the Saskatraz breeding program, but individual colonies can vary. Colony behavior depends on genetics, queen condition, environmental factors, and management practices.
Are Saskatraz bees the same as Italian or Carniolan bees?
No. Saskatraz is a selectively developed honey bee breeding population originating in Canada. It contains multiple genetic families and has been selected for a combination of desirable performance and colony health characteristics.
Is shipping included in the price of my Saskatraz package bees?
Yes! Standard shipping is included in the advertised purchase price of your Saskatraz package bees.
Will my Saskatraz 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 Saskatraz package bees ship?
Saskatraz 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 Saskatraz package bees arrive damaged?
If your bees arrive damaged or with an excessive number of dead bees, report the issue to Lappe's Bee Supply through our Package Bee Help Form within 24 hours of receiving your shipment. Required photographs and order information must be provided according to our shipped package bee terms and conditions.
Reserve Your 2027 Saskatraz Package Bees Today!
2027 Saskatraz Package Bees – 3 lb with Mated, Marked Queen
Explore a selectively developed honey bee breeding population focused on productivity, wintering ability, colony health, and improved natural Varroa mite tolerance.
Our shipped Saskatraz 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 Saskatraz 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].
