Queen Bees
This page helps you choose the right queen for your goals and scale.
Selby Apiaries offers both Carniolan and Italian queens, with ordering timed to seasonal availability and colony readiness. Below you’ll find a clear overview of each option, plus guidance for hobbyist and commercial beekeepers.
Queen Types We Offer
The two most common queen types used in North American beekeeping are Carniolan and Italian queens. Each has distinct traits that may be better suited to different climates, management styles, and goals.
Both options are available to hobbyist and commercial beekeepers, with selection typically based on temperament, brood pattern, and seasonal performance.
Carniolan Queen Bees
Carniolan queens are known for strong spring buildup, good overwintering ability, and efficient brood patterns. They are often favored in regions with shorter seasons or variable weather.
These queens can be a good fit for both hobbyist and commercial beekeepers who prioritize rapid early growth and adaptability.
Italian Queen Bees
Italian queens are known for steady brood production, gentle temperament, and consistent colony growth throughout the season. They are commonly chosen by beekeepers who value manageability and predictable performance.
These queens are suitable for both hobbyist and commercial operations, particularly in regions with longer seasons or stable forage conditions.
Guidance for Hobbyist Beekeepers
Hobbyist beekeepers typically choose queens based on ease of management, temperament, and seasonal timing.
If you are newer to beekeeping or managing a small number of hives, selecting a queen that aligns with your local climate and installation window is often more important than maximizing production traits. We provide clear availability windows and guidance to help hobbyists plan successfully.
Guidance for Commercial Beekeepers
Commercial beekeeping operations often prioritize consistency, timing, and volume when selecting queens.
Carniolan and Italian queens may be chosen based on regional performance, replacement schedules, and integration into existing operations. We work with commercial customers to align genetics, order quantities, and delivery timing with operational needs.
Availability and Ordering
Queen availability is seasonal and depends on colony development and environmental conditions.
Orders are typically placed in advance, with fulfillment scheduled when conditions are appropriate for successful introduction. We communicate availability windows and timing expectations so beekeepers can plan accordingly.
Ordering details and next steps are provided once availability is confirmed.