However, that is where the similarity between us and other operations ends. Diggin Livin produces new colonies each year following a protocol that involves in-hive rearing of a new queen by her sister worker bees. We do not use the grafting technique. We produce what we call a naturally-reared nucleus colony, whereby bees choose a sister egg in the hive to raise into a new queen. Thereby, the queen maintains her relations to all the other bees and the relationship between them is natural (not artificially imposed by humans).
The other difference is that we sell starter colonies that consist of 8 Western Shallow frames of bees,brood, and stores. To produce a strong nucleus colony of this sort, a greater contribution of bees is needed, as is more time to produce such a colony, and thereby the colony is in our care for a greater period of time prior to sale, within which the queen receives more inspections and vetting on our part prior to transfer to its new stewards.
Starter colonies are delivered in our woodenware; either used equipment with a deposit, or upon purchase, our starter colonies can be delivered in new equipment of your choosing. Starter Colony advance scheduled booking begins Jan. 1 of each calendar year. all our retail store to reserve your Starter Colonies. Delivery dates range from May 1 to June 1 depending upon weather.
