14 Jan How much does it cost to get started in beekeeping?
by Tiffany Harelik
Budgeting your first year of beekeeping is a bit of a wild card. How much are you investing in property improvement, education, equipment, and livestock (the bees)? Having a clear understanding of your goals and reducing expectations will help with the budgeting process.
Costs to Anticipate for Keeping Bees on your Property that you want to manage on your own
- Suit – $300 get the ultra breeze fullsuit, best of the best – supports confidence because you won’t get stung. Don’t get a cheap suit.
- Smoker – $30-$40
- Hive tool – $10-$30
- Box – budget $250-$275 per set up. Top Bars can be used instead of lang boxes to save expenses. Here’s how to choose your hive style.
- Get your choice of feeder – one per box – $8-$25
- Nuc – budget $300+ (alternatively you can buy a package of bees and a Queen – I do not recommend this for first year beekeepers).
- Consider any supplies to improve your site: weedcloth, constant water source, cinder blocks to surround your colony at knee height to deter hogs/dogs, table or bench to set hives on so they are off the ground, optional registration with TAIS.
Considerations: Bill B of Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) says it best: bees are like chainsaws- you need three to keep one running. Translation: start with a minimum of two, preferably three colonies, and have extra box equipment for use as needed.
Your first year costs the most. Here are some rough numbers to consider for people setting up an apiary on their property that they want to manage on their own:
– Two people, with 3 colonies : $2800
– Two people, with 2 colonies: $2200
– One person, 3 colonies: $2200
– One person, 2 colonies: $1800
Email Tiff@TiffanyHarelik.com to order bees, supplies, and training.
Or - Buy a Bundle to get started without the hassle
Beginner Beekeeper – Full Package:
One colony + new equipment: = $700
One colony + used equipment = $575
Two colonies + new equipment = $1350
Two colonies + used equipment = $975
Three colonies + new equipment = $2000
Three colonies + used equipment = $1575
What is included?
- Smoker
- J Hook Hive Tool
- 1 Queen catcher
- a family of bees (‘nuc’)
- 10 frame hive kit that includes the below:
- 1 Standard Assembled Deep Hive Body
- 1 Standard Assembled Super
- 10 Assembled Frames w/Plastic Coated Foundation
- 10 Assembled Frames w/Plastic Coated Foundation
- 1 Telescoping Cover w/Notched Inner Cover
- 1 Screened Bottom Board
- Foundation color may vary
- Brood frames include black colored foundation
- Super frames include natural colored foundation
- Feeder (holds 1 gallon)
- No assembly or tools needed. Made in the USA.
You will still need to get your own gloves and suit with veil. I recommend the Ultra Breeze.
Consider any supplies to improve your site: weedcloth, constant water source, cinder blocks to surround your colony at knee height to deter hogs/dogs, table or bench to set hives on so they are off the ground, optional registration with TAIS.
Reminder: it’s best to start with a minimum of two, preferably three colonies, and have extra box equipment for use as needed.
Just the Bees Please
One nuc: $350
Two nucs: $695
Three nucs = $999
add $325 per nuc beyond three
What is included? A nuc is an existing colony of bees that has a laying queen, brood, and food. We will transfer the 5 frames of the nuc into your equipment on your property.
Bee Installation for Nucs
$75/nuc if you are within 20 miles of Abilene.
Total Apiary set up
$200: Includes two trips: one to advise on apiary set up, and another to install your bees. This is for the Abilene and Big Country areas. Each trip is approximately 1 hour.
Subsequent Management Support
$85/hr plus mileage: This is for the Abilene and Big Country areas. Each trip is approximately 2 hours.
