: This is the most economical entry point. It typically consists of a screened box containing roughly 3 lbs of loose worker bees and a separately caged, mated queen. Beginners should note that these bees must build their own wax comb from scratch.
Selecting the right format is the first step in starting your hive: buy live bees
When buying live bees, several key features and options determine the health of your future colony and the ease of setup. Most suppliers offer two primary formats— and nucs —each with distinct characteristics for different experience levels. 1. Types of Live Bee Formats : This is the most economical entry point