BUY BEES
BEE GENETICS
Our bees are descendants of local Russian hybrid survivor stock and have been integrated over time with genetics imported from queens reared by certified members of the Russian Honey Bee Breeders Association. Russian honeybees are known for having desirable characteristics such as varroa mite resistance and good wintering capabilities. For more information on the history of Russian honeybee genetics, visit
http://www.russianbreeder.org/russian-bees.html.
We are working to develop strong bees that survive mostly on their own with minimal inputs. We do monitor for varroa mites and treat when needed, only with organic practices and at a minimum.
Our Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) apiaries are permanently located on the Anderson family ranch in an isolated valley of northwest Nebraska within the Pine Ridge ecosystem. Due to our remote location, the current risk of genetic mixing with other hives is incredibly low, with the exception of local feral hives that are likely our own swarms.
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Pine Ridge Apiaries’ Naturally Managed Hive Strategy focuses on the development of local genetics that result in:
- Bees that survive and thrive
- Little or no chemical treatment for varroa mites
- Little or no supplemental feeding
- Good honey production with minimal inputs
We follow CNG's beekeeping practices that support honeybee health, steering away from harmful chemical treatments and toward natural practices that result in thriving colonies and happy bees.
Pine Ridge Apiaries' promise:
- NO GMO crops or pesticides used on or near our hives
- NO feeding of high fructose corn syrup
- NO commercial transporting of beehives
- NO use of synthetic chemicals for treating bee health
NUCLEUS COLONIES (NUCS)
We assemble nucs for delivery or pick up in late May to early June, depending on weather and prior spring bee buildup. For late season NUC availability, please contact us.
Our nucs are 5 frames (deeps) containing at least 2 frames of brood/bees, 1 to 2 frames of honey and pollen, and 1 to 2 empty frames with foundation. The nucs frames are from our own closed apiary system. We do not bring in old frames/comb from outside our apiaries and have been disease-free thus far. Our brood comb is not exposed to pesticides or medications and is less than 6 years old. Good quality frames are ensured.
Each nucs contains a laying queen that is a from certified member of the Russian Honey Bee Breeders Association. Nucs with our locally raised Russian X queens may also be available. Nucs typically need to be transferred into full-size equipment within a few days. Within 10 days there will likely be more bees than will fit in the nucs box.
Recommended preparation:
Step 1:
Prepare an empty hive to receive new bees and place it in a suitable permanent location.
Step 2:
Place the nucs with bees on top of the empty hive, facing the same way. Be sure to provide shade in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3:
Open the nucs entrance and leave it undisturbed for 2 days.
Step 4:
After 2 days, transfer the frames from the nucs into the empty hive, along with rest of the bees.
Note: Use an entrance reducer if the nucs is placed around other hives and feed sugar syrup to help them adjust.
Customer assumes all responsibility for the bees upon pick up. Payments can be made via check or cash at time of pickup.
Contact info@pineridgeapiaries.com to place an order.
