Buying Bees In New Brunswick

If you're looking to buy bees in New Brunswick, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can refer to the New Brunswick Beekeepers Association (NBBA), which is the provincial organization representing the beekeepers of New Brunswick. They offer various benefits to their members, which could be a great resource for those looking to buy bees. Additionally, there are dedicated bee stores in Moncton, such as NBee Gold, which offers beekeeping supplies, protective gear, and even classes for beginners. For those interested in beekeeping workshops, Dancing Bee Equipment provides workshops for beginners and advanced beekeepers, covering topics like the basics of beekeeping and winterizing hives. It's important to note that as of March 1, 2023, the new Bee Act and General Regulation have come into effect in New Brunswick, imposing new requirements for registering and protecting honey bees.

Beekeeping starter kits and supplies

Beekeeping is a popular hobby in New Brunswick, with around 450 beekeepers and 10,000 honey bee colonies registered in the province. If you're thinking of joining their ranks, you'll need to register with the Provincial Apiarist and invest in some beekeeping starter kits and supplies.

Where to Buy Bees in New Brunswick

The New Brunswick Beekeepers Association (NBBA) is the provincial organization that represents the beekeepers of New Brunswick. They offer a great opportunity to connect with fellow beekeepers and stay up-to-date with industry developments.

When it comes to starter kits and supplies, there are a few options available to get you started:

• National Bee Supplies: They offer a range of starter kits, including the WBC Hive Starter Kit and the National Hive Starter Kit, both of which come assembled or in a flat pack. Their kits include essential items like frames, wax, bee food, and tools.
• Heather Bell Honey Bees: They offer National Bee Hive and WBC Bee Hive Starter Kits, which include essential items for beginners. They also have a range of other supplies, such as beekeepers' suits, hive smokers, and tool kits.
• Caddon Hives: Caddon Hives provides National Hive Starter Kits, WBC Hive Starter Kits, and Smith Hive starter kits. Their kits include frames, wax, bee food, accessories, and tools.
• NBee Gold Beekeeping Supply Store: Located in Moncton, NBee Gold is the city's only dedicated bee store. They offer a range of beekeeping supplies, including protective gear, clothing, candle-making supplies, honey jars, and mite control medications. They also offer introductory beekeeping classes for beginners.

These suppliers offer a comprehensive range of starter kits and supplies to get you started on your beekeeping journey in New Brunswick. Remember to register with the Provincial Apiarist and stay connected with the local beekeeping community through the NBBA to stay informed about industry developments and best practices.

Provincial registration requirements

As of March 1, 2023, the new Bee Act and General Regulation came into effect in New Brunswick. This legislation includes new requirements for beekeepers in the province, specifically addressing the protection of honey bees from pests and diseases, and the safe importation and transport of bees and beekeeping equipment.

Beekeepers in New Brunswick must register annually with the Provincial Apiarist if they intend to keep honey bees in the province. This registration is a key part of the Bee Act, which serves to protect the health of honey bees and safeguard the beekeeping industry in the province.

The Bee Act requires that all hives be clearly identified and that beekeepers have the necessary permits for importing and transporting bees and used beekeeping equipment. These permits are essential to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, which pose a serious threat to the industry.

Beekeepers must also be aware of new reportable pests and diseases outlined in the Bee Act. This legislation ensures that beekeepers are vigilant in monitoring and reporting any issues that could impact the health of their colonies and the wider bee population.

By registering with the Provincial Apiarist, beekeepers can access resources and support to comply with these regulations. This includes information on obtaining the necessary permits, guidelines for hive identification, and updates on reportable pests and diseases.

The Provincial Apiarist also provides guidance on best management and biosecurity practices, such as the recommended treatments for honey bee diseases and mite control. Additionally, beekeepers can now only obtain antibiotics for their bees from veterinarians, further emphasising the importance of proper registration and adherence to provincial requirements.

Local beekeeping associations

New Brunswick Beekeepers Association (NBBA)

The NBBA is the provincial organization that represents beekeepers in New Brunswick, including commercial and hobby beekeepers. It offers various benefits to its members, such as industry development programs, social events, and tours. The association also provides resources and information on its website and through its secretary, who can be contacted at [email protected].

Central Beekeepers Association

Based in Fredericton, NB, the Central Beekeepers Association is a not-for-profit organisation that encourages and supports non-commercial beekeeping operations in central New Brunswick. They can be reached via email at [email protected].

East Coast Beekeepers

The East Coast Beekeepers is a Facebook group that connects beekeepers on the East Coast, likely including beekeepers in New Brunswick. Facebook groups like this one often offer a platform for members to share knowledge, resources, and local events.

In addition to these associations, New Brunswick also has government branches and programs related to beekeeping, such as the Provincial Apiculturist and the Atlantic Tech Transfer Team for Apiculture. These organizations can provide information and support to beekeepers in the province.

Commercial suppliers

One of the most important things to consider when buying bees is the health of the bees. You want to make sure that you are buying bees that are free of pests and diseases. The New Bee Act and General Regulation, which came into effect on March 1, 2023, include new requirements to protect honey bees against pests and diseases. This means that as a beekeeper in New Brunswick, you must register with the Provincial Apiarist.

Dancing Bee Equipment provides strong, high-quality nucs, single-box hives, and full colonies. They have a pick-up location in New Brunswick, but all orders must be prepaid and are non-refundable.

NBee Gold Beekeeping Supply Store is Moncton's only dedicated bee store. They sell a range of beekeeping supplies, from protective gear and clothing to candle-making supplies and honey jars and containers. They also offer introductory beekeeping classes for $65.

The New Brunswick Beekeepers Association Inc. (NBBA) is the provincial organization that represents the beekeepers of New Brunswick. They have many members, including commercial and hobby beekeepers, and offer resources and community for beekeepers in the province.

In addition to these suppliers, you may also be able to find bees for sale through online classifieds or by contacting local beekeeping clubs or associations.

Local pickup locations

If you're looking to buy bees in New Brunswick, there are several local pickup locations to choose from. Here are some options for you:

• NBee Gold Beekeeping Supply Store in Moncton is the city's only dedicated bee store. They offer a range of beekeeping supplies, from protective gear and clothing to candle-making supplies and honey jars. They also provide educational workshops and classes, such as an Intro to Beekeeping course.
• Dancing Bee Equipment offers strong, high-quality nucs, single-box hives, and full colonies. Their New Brunswick pickup location is at 480 North View Road, NB E7G 2J8, with pickup times between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. All orders must be prepaid and are non-refundable.
• New Brunswick Beekeepers Association Inc. (NBBA): The NBBA is the provincial organization that represents the beekeepers of New Brunswick and offers various benefits to its members. They host events such as the Atlantic Bee Tour and provide resources like the Honey Bee Expansion Program. Becoming a member of the NBBA can be a great way to connect with fellow beekeepers and stay updated on industry developments.

When picking up your bees, remember to adhere to the Bee Act and General Regulation, which include requirements for registering, hive identification, import and transport permits, and reporting pests and diseases.

Frequently asked questions