Queen Bees for Sale in Texas | Buying & Requeening Guide
Queen Bees for Sale in Texas: 2027 Buying Guide
Ten Box Bees offers seasonal 2027 Carniolan/Italian queen bees for $65 each for North Texas beekeepers making splits, requeening established colonies, replacing lost queens and expanding apiaries.
When do you need to buy a queen?
A beekeeper typically buys a queen when a colony is queenless, when an existing queen is aging or performing poorly, or when a new split has been created and needs a queen. A queen-only purchase assumes you already have worker bees and enough colony resources to support her.
Queen bee vs. nuc
A queen is not a complete colony. If you are starting with an empty hive, a five-frame nuc usually makes more sense because it includes a laying queen, workers, brood, drawn comb, honey and pollen stores.
| Buy a queen when… | Buy a nuc when… |
|---|---|
| You already have bees | You need a complete starter colony |
| You are requeening a hive | You are starting a new hive |
| You made a prepared split | You are replacing a lost colony |
| You need a replacement queen | You want brood, workers and stores included |
About our 2027 queens
Our queens are described as Carniolan/Italian and selected for a combination of temperament, colony growth and honey-production traits that North Texas beekeepers value. Availability is seasonal and weather dependent.
Preparing a colony for a new queen
- Confirm whether the colony has a queen before ordering a replacement.
- If requeening, locate and remove the old queen before introduction.
- Make sure the receiving colony has adequate workers and resources.
- Follow the queen-cage introduction process rather than releasing her immediately.
- Give the colony time to accept the queen before repeatedly disturbing it.
- Check later for evidence that the queen is accepted and laying.
Queen bees for splits
A queen can be used to establish a properly prepared split from an existing strong colony. The split needs workers, brood and food resources before the new queen is introduced.
Seasonal pickup in North Texas
Queen availability follows spring production and weather. Customers receive pickup information as queens become ready. Contact us before ordering if you need a queen for a specific date.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a 2027 queen?
$65.
What type of queens do you sell?
Our 2027 listing is for Carniolan/Italian queens.
Can I put a new queen in an empty hive?
No. A queen needs a colony of worker bees to survive and function.
Can I use one in a split?
Yes, if the split has been properly prepared with bees and resources.
What if I need a whole colony?
Choose a five-frame nuc.
Where can I shop all live bees?
See our live bees for sale collection.
Pre-order a 2027 queen bee or call/text 940-597-5219.