PBKA Auction

Bee sales in 2021

apiarymanager For Sale, PBKA, PBKA Auction, Starting Beekeeping

For the second year in succession, the Association is unable to hold the annual sale of bees and equipment. In the meantime, there are plenty of new beekeepers out there looking to start and hopefully some responsible beekeepers with colonies to sell. Wherever possible, choosing locally adapted bees is the best choice, the clue is in the title. In order to assist both buyers and sellers, the Association is more than happy to host any advertisements for bees and equipment on our website and as ever, PBKA Committee members are always happy to provide advice and guidance.

When we were able to run the auction, all bees were bought to the sale site a few days before the auction to allow them to settle and to give our seasonal bee inspector and her colleagues time to inspect and report on colonies for sale. Their written reports were available to potential buyers on the day of the sale. For the most part, colonies presented for sale were in good condition, but like in any other area of sales, ‘buyer beware’ is a good rule to live by. This is especially important for those beginners with little idea of what a good colony looks like. Very kindly, our local Seasonal Bee Inspector, Maggie Gill, has offered to inspect bees offered for sale wherever possible and as stated above, the Committee are also on hand to provide a view if requested to do so. Any beekeeper offering colonies for sale should be more than happy to have their bees inspected prior to sale.  

Don’t be in too much of a hurry, it is still early here in Pembrokeshire to be able to inspect colonies, many of whom will only now be building up after the winter. We have already received a number of calls from new beekeepers keen to start, but patience is not only a virtue but also particularly important in every aspect of beekeeping!

And finally, just to remind potential new beekeepers; don’t forget to get trained before buying bees and equipment!

Be aware that there is a lot of unsuitable equipment which may be up for sale and keeping bees is not as simple as it first appears, hence its fascination! So please check out our post on training for further information. 

Good luck!

Pembrokeshire Beekeepers’ Association – Annual Sale of Bees and Equipment – CANCELLED

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We are sorry to announce that the auction scheduled for Saturday 25th April 2020 has been postponed until further notice.

During the Coronavirus situation, beekeepers will still want to sell bees and prospective buyers purchase them. Clearly this is dependent on any movement controls for the public, either imposed centrally or individually.

The Association is happy to provide neutral and independent advice to prospective buyers and sellers over the phone, especially in relation to pest and disease issues that new beekeepers should be aware of.

Questions that buyers may consider asking might include:

  • Have the bees been treated with any chemicals and if so is there a record?
  • Is there any sign of disease e.g. Foul Brood, Varroa, Deformed Wing Virus, Chalkbrood or other?
  • What age is the Queen?
  • Is she marked and / or clipped?
  • What is the temperament of the colony?

If buying ‘Bees on Frames’ then the seller will provide the colony in some form of package, usually in a nucleus or complete hive, the purchaser would collect or have it delivered, all frames and bees would be transferred to the purchasers own hive and the hardware returned to the seller.

Some sellers will be happy to sell the complete hive including the bees, just be clear about what you are buying / selling.

In terms of equipment, understand its condition.

  • Check whether a hive has a solid or ventilated floor [ventilated is preferable].
  • If a wooden hive then the majority of hives are made from Cedar, far more preferable to those made of softwood, not only for longevity, but also as softwoods tend to sweat which is not good for the bees. [Supers can be made of softwood, as they are only on the hive for the summer months]
  • If Poly hives, then check for any splits, joints breaking down and general cleanliness [poly hives are more difficult to clean than cedar, as the latter can be blow torched, not advisable for a poly hive [!], where caustic soda or similar needs to be used – very carefully].

As a service to members, the Association will be happy to host a ‘virtual marketplace’ for bees and equipment. Preparations for this are underway so check the website for updates.

At present it is not clear whether our seasonal bee inspectors will be authorized to be out and about checking colonies. We will keep members informed via the website.

For advice and guidance, phone:

Jeremy on 07799 698 568

Alan on 07867 988597

or

Paul on 07988 037571

PBKA Auction – Sale of Bees and Equipment – Saturday 4th May 2019

apiarymanager PBKA Auction

PBKA Auction – Sale of Bees and Equipment – Saturday 4th May 2019

Please note that this year’s beekeeping auction is in The Pavilion, Withybush Showground, Haverfordwest, SA62 4BW this Saturday 4th May. There are 32 lots of bees for sale, plus numerous items of beekeeping equipment etc.

Viewing starts from 11am and the sale starts at 1pm promptly! Note that the Pavilion is behind the ‘Go Kart’ building at Withybush Showground.

All enquiries to the PBKA Chairman, Jeremy Percy on 07799 698 568

All are welcome, whether beekeepers or not and we look forward to seeing you there!

PBKA Auction – Sale of Bees and Equipment – Saturday 4th May 2019

apiarymanager PBKA Auction

The Pavilion, Withybush Showground, Haverfordwest, SA62 4BW

Important Notes:

  • Viewing starts from 11am: the sale starts at 1pm promptly!
  • Anyone seeking to offer bees for sale at the auction must have them inspected by the Seasonal Bee Inspector prior to bringing them to the auction site. N.B. Any bees not inspected will be refused entry
  • Please contact the Seasonal Bee Inspector, Maggie Gill, to arrange an inspection on: Telephone/Ffôn: 07979 119373 – Email/Ebost: margaret.gill@apha.gov.uk
  • Bees for sale that have been inspected, should be bought to the auction site on the evening of Wednesday 1st May from 8.00pm.
  • All other items for sale should be brought to The Pavilion on Friday 3rd May, from 4.30pm. Note that items brought in on the Saturday morning will not be accepted, except by prior arrangement with the Chairman (contact details below) and must be brought to the auction between 9am and 10am at the latest for booking in.

Please note that this year we are in The Pavilion, rather than our usual venue, the Brithdir Hall.  The Pavilion is on the same site, behind the Go Kart building and bees for sale should be bought to the rear of the Showground offices below the Pavilion [one of the side gates will be open for access].

All enquiries to the PBKA Chairman, Jeremy Percy on 07799 698 568 or PBKA Vice-Chairman, Paul Eades on 07988 037571