FAQ
Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do when I get my queens?
Keep the queens out of the sun and away from any pesticides. Queens should be removed from the shipping box as soon as possible. Water your queens upon receiving them. One way to do this is to dip your finger in a bowl of water and touch the top of each queen cage so that water fills the holes in the screen. ​If not used immediately, queens should be put into a bank hive.
Can I make my splits before I receive my queens?
We do not recommend preparing your hives until you have received your queens. Delays can happen.
Can I get on your spring pre-order list?
We are currently unable to add anyone to our spring pre-order list. We are doing our best to increase production to meet demand. ​Occasionally we have extra queens available throughout the spring season. Our availability changes daily, so sometimes it all comes down to timing. Call our office a week or two before you need the queens. Persistence pays off!   ​We are working hard to offer you spring queens – especially if you are a loyal summer and fall customer! If we have extra queens we will happily sell them. Signing up for our email list can help you stay in the loop about availability. ​We thank you very much for your patience and understanding.
How long can I bank my queens?
Queens can be banked for a number of months if closely managed. It is crucial to keep the bank hive well-fed, stocked with brood, and free from naturally created queen cells. If you plan to bank for an extended period of time, it is best not to have the attendants in the cage with the queens. This insures unobstructed access from nurse bee to queen.
How do I introduce my queens?
If you plan on adding queens to a hive with a large population, we recommend that you slow introduction by adding additional candy to the candy end of the cage. You can also place the queen into a new hive for a day before you remove the cork blocking the candy.
Do you sell bulk bees?
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No, Kona Queen Hawaii is not able to sell bulk bees.
Do you give tours?
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Unfortunately, we are not set up for tours at Kona Queen Hawaii.
More questions?
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If you have a question that wasn't answered here, feel free to call our office at 808-328-9016.
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You can also check out our
RESOURCES page for links to many beekeeping related articles.