Montana State University

Material for Starting a Hive

Supplies for 1 Standard Hive:

  • 2 Hive bodies, Bottom board, Cover
  • 20 of 9 1/8" Frames
  • 20 of 8 3/8" Foundations either coated Plasticell or Duragilt
  • Smoker
  • Gloves-light weight leather; ventilated are good
  • Zipper veil hooded suit, Zipper veil suit or Coveralls with a veil
  • Bee brush
  • Hive tool
  • Hive feeder (there are several types-entrance feeders, division boards and top feeders Any type will work)

For Honey Collection:

  • 2 Honey Supers
       There are several sizes, I use the smallest 5 11/16" as they are the lightest to lift    when full of honey.
  • 20 of 5 3/8" frames (for the 5 11/16" supers)
  • 20 of the 5 3/8" Duragilt foundation
  • Queen Excluder
  • Bee Escape

Western Bee sells several hobbyist kits that include all the basics above. Visit them at www.westernbee.com

For Honeybees, Western Bee is now taking orders for 3lb packages of honeybees available for pickup on May 7th in Polson.

Call them now for further details at (800) 548-8440 or (406) 883-2918. Bees can be also be ordered from Koehnen and Sons, Inc for shipment. Please visit www.koehnen.com/packages.html for further information on price and shipping or call (530) 891-5216 or (530) 934-5216.