Installing your first package is one of the most important moments in starting a hive.
A strong start sets the tone for the entire season.
Here’s how we recommend hobbyist beekeepers approach package installation.
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Before You Begin
Make sure your hive is fully assembled and level before bringing bees home.
You’ll need:
• A complete hive setup (bottom board, boxes, frames, lid)
• Sugar syrup (1:1 ratio)
• Your package of bees
• Your queen cage
• A hive tool and smoker (optional but helpful)
Place your hive in its permanent location before installation.
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Step 1: Prepare the Hive
Remove a few center frames to create space for the package.
Lightly mist the bees with sugar syrup if they seem agitated. This keeps them calm and focused on feeding.
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Step 2: Install the Queen
Remove the queen cage from the package.
Check that the queen is alive and moving normally.
Suspend the queen cage between two center frames with the candy end facing upward. Do not release her manually.
Let the bees release her naturally over the next few days.
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Step 3: Add the Bees
Gently shake the bees from the package into the open hive body.
Once most bees are inside, replace the frames slowly and carefully.
Install your feeder and close the hive.
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Step 4: Feed Consistently
New packages need food.
Feed continuously for the first few weeks while they build comb and establish brood.
This step is critical for early success.
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Checking Queen Acceptance
After 5–7 days, inspect the hive.
You should see:
• Eggs or young larvae
• Calm worker behavior
• The queen cage empty or removed
If you don’t see eggs, give it another few days before intervening.
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From Our Yards
Every yard is different.
Temperature, nectar flow, and colony strength all impact early development. That’s why we share seasonal updates through The Apiary — so you can learn from real-world conditions, not just textbook scenarios.
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Starting bees can feel intimidating, but with patience and proper care, most packages establish quickly.
We’ll continue sharing beginner guidance as the season progresses.
— Selby Apiaries