Queen Bees for Sale UK – Premium Buckfast & Carniolan Queens

Queen Bees for Sale UK – Frequently Asked Questions

• When can I buy a queen bee from BS Honey Bees?

  Pre-orders open from October for the following season. Queen dispatches generally run from late March through September, subject to availability and weather conditions.

• What types of queen bees do you sell?

  We offer F1 Buckfast queens, Carniolan queens, Essex Buckfast queens and selected Buckfast breeder queens. Each type has unique characteristics suited to different beekeeping needs and preferences.

• Where do your Buckfast queens come from?

  Our F1 Buckfast queens are produced from carefully selected genetics from established European breeders, including Dr Peter Stöfen, Ivan Bjorholm Nielsen, Keld Brandstrup, Tenuta Ritiro and Lutz Eggert.

• Are your queen bees mated?

  Yes, all queen products listed for sale are supplied as mated queens unless the individual product description states otherwise.

• What colour are your queen bees marked?

  Queens are professionally marked using the internationally recognised annual queen marking colour, making identification easier and helping you track the age of your queen.

• How are queen bees delivered in the UK?

  Queens are securely transported using Royal Mail Special Delivery® or Tracked 24®. Saturday and Sunday delivery is available where supported, excluding bank holidays.

• Can I collect my queen bee?

  Yes. Customers can select Pickup and their preferred collection date when ordering from our Gloucester base.

• Can I choose when my queen is dispatched?

  Yes. BS Honey Bees uses an advanced stock and allocation system allowing customers to select an available preferred dispatch date, rather than relying solely on fixed dispatch schedules.

• How do I introduce a new queen to my colony?

  Every queen is supplied in a slow-release candy cage. You will receive written instructions and step-by-step video guidance to help with introduction.

• Are your queens suitable for beginners?

  Our queens are supplied to both beginners and experienced beekeepers. However, anyone introducing a queen should understand the basics of queen introduction and colony management.

• Do you sell queen bees to Northern Ireland?

  Northern Ireland is currently excluded due to the Windsor Framework and restrictions on transporting live insects.

• When should I order my queen bee?

  Ordering early is recommended because popular genetics and early dispatch dates can sell quickly. Pre-ordering from October gives customers the best opportunity to secure their preferred queen and dispatch period.

• How much do your queen bees cost?

  Prices vary according to queen type, genetics and availability. Current prices are shown on the individual product listings.