We Treat Our Queens Like Royalty
OHB has been raising queens for more than 50 years in Northern California, where the low humidity; warm, gravelly soil; and rich, natural food supply create optimal conditions. Shielded from the wind by trees and surrounded by thousands of acres of blooming clover, mustard, and other nectar-producing plants, our mating yards give our queens a strong start in life.
How to Introduce a New Queen to Your Hive
One of the best ways to be successful at beekeeping is to re-queen your colonies every year. Learn how to look for, and replace, a Queen.
Watch VideoFrequently Asked Questions About Our Queens
How many bees can each queen produce?
A single queen can produce up to 3,000 eggs a day, 90 percent of which become bees.
When do you ship queens?
Weather permitting, we ship queens from California from spring to fall, and from Hawaii year-round.
Are your bees good honey producers?
Yes! We produce honey ourselves, so we breed our bees for top-notch honey production.
How often will she mate?
The queen will mate as many as 30 times with 15–20 drones, which promotes genetic diversity and hybrid vigor.
How do you ship queens?
In California, our shipments are done exclusively through UPS and guaranteed overnight. Our Hawaii shipments are 2-day and done through USPS or UPS (transit times vary).
How often should I re-queen my hive?
In general, queens are good for one or two years, and first-year queens are the best. One of the best ways to be successful at beekeeping is to re-queen your colonies every year.
How do I introduce my new queen to the hive?
Careful introduction of the queen to the hive is crucial. Detailed instructions for introducing the queen can be found here.