Michigan open mated queen bees from carefully selected breeders that are gentle, productive, and healthy. Queens are bred from various matrilines to promote diversity with healthy drones within range of mating yards. We routinely inspect for pests and disease and put extra efforts into keeping our bees and subsequent queens as clean as possible from mites and viral transmission.
Availability: Queens are available from May until July depending on weather events and stock. All queens are allowed a minimum of 21 days from hatch to mate and mature and have their laying patterns assessed. We catch queens as close to pickup as possible to ensure that queens have strong pheromone and good acceptance.
Shipping: We ship queens in the lower 48 states using USPS Priority (usually $10.20 + tax) or Express ($33.00 + tax) depending on customer’s preferences. Small quantities (1-5 queens) will be shipped in hole-punched envelopes and all cages will contain attendants. Larger quantities will receive a “riteway shipper” screened box containing queens with cover bees and no attendants. If you have any questions about these details, please call or write me.
Marking: All queens are marked with a non-toxic paint marker. The color for 2026 is white, but don’t be surprised if you get a pink or purple queen. We like bright colors!
Transport: Queens are transported in JZBZ cages with a candy plug. This does not require removal or tampering before placement into the hive.
Note to prospective buyers: Once received, the buyer is responsible for the welfare of the queen and inserting her into a hive or bank as soon as possible. We do not take responsibility for purchased queens harmed through neglect or inappropriate storage.
Interested in getting on the queen calendar and ordering ahead? Please fill out the form and put your desired date for pickup or shipping in the “comments” section and we will be in touch with you!
Michigan open mated queen bees from carefully selected breeders that are gentle, productive, and healthy. Queens are bred from various matrilines to promote diversity with healthy drones within range of mating yards. We routinely inspect for pests and disease and put extra efforts into keeping our bees and subsequent queens as clean as possible from mites and viral transmission.
Availability: Queens are available from May until July depending on weather events and stock. All queens are allowed a minimum of 21 days from hatch to mate and mature and have their laying patterns assessed. We catch queens as close to pickup as possible to ensure that queens have strong pheromone and good acceptance.
Shipping: We ship queens in the lower 48 states using USPS Priority (usually $10.20 + tax) or Express ($33.00 + tax) depending on customer’s preferences. Small quantities (1-5 queens) will be shipped in hole-punched envelopes and all cages will contain attendants. Larger quantities will receive a “riteway shipper” screened box containing queens with cover bees and no attendants. If you have any questions about these details, please call or write me.
Marking: All queens are marked with a non-toxic paint marker. The color for 2026 is white, but don’t be surprised if you get a pink or purple queen. We like bright colors!
Transport: Queens are transported in JZBZ cages with a candy plug. This does not require removal or tampering before placement into the hive.
Note to prospective buyers: Once received, the buyer is responsible for the welfare of the queen and inserting her into a hive or bank as soon as possible. We do not take responsibility for purchased queens harmed through neglect or inappropriate storage.
Interested in getting on the queen calendar and ordering ahead? Please fill out the form and put your desired date for pickup or shipping in the “comments” section and we will be in touch with you!