About Our Complete Colony Setup
We offer a limited number of Complete Starter Hives each spring, featuring locally adapted bees raised from Diggin’ Livin’ stock that has thrived in the Illinois River Valley of Southwestern Oregon for over 20 years. Our queens open-mate with drones from surrounding wild areas, helping preserve a resilient, genetically diverse strain well-suited to our climate, landscape, and natural beekeeping methods.Unlike grafted queen production, our naturally reared starter colonies are created by dividing colonies early in the season and allowing each hive to raise its own queen from a sister egg. The queen is cared for by her sister bees and naturally integrated into the colony, supporting strong genetic diversity and a more natural colony structure.
What’s Included
This complete hive setup includes a Natural Nest woodenware set made from sustainably sourced cedar, including three Western Shallow hive bodies, a cedar lid, and a two-way bottom board. Cedar offers excellent insulation and moisture resistance, helping create a stable and supportive home for the colony during its first crucial year. Your starter colony includes 8 Western Shallow frames with bees, brood, stores, and a naturally reared queen. These bees come from our locally adapted Diggin’ Livin’ stock and are raised without grafting, supporting colony health, genetic diversity, and long-term resilience.The setup includes two additional sets of eight 4-sided frames to help fill out the hive bodies. If you prefer 3-sided foundationless frames for a more biodynamic approach, please let us know. Optional: add-ons include a divider board for specific configurations and a two-way rim feeder for dry organic cane sugar feeding.
Recommended First-Year Setup
For first-year colonies, we recommend overwintering with three Western Shallow boxes filled with bees and adequate stores. In productive areas, some first-year colonies may also produce a honey surplus, so additional equipment may be useful depending on your location and colony strength.
Ordering and Pickup
Orders for Spring 2027 open November 1, and Complete Starter Hives are available in limited quantities. Pickup is typically around May 10, with orders filled in the sequence they are received. Pickup takes place off Holland Loop Road in Cave Junction, Oregon, and detailed instructions will be sent by email as your pickup date approaches.On pickup day, please plan to arrive around 7:00 p.m., with loading beginning at dusk, usually around 7:40 p.m. We recommend bringing a pickup truck or a vehicle where bees can remain outside the cab, as well as a ratchet strap to secure the hive. Upon arrival, please remain in your vehicle until check-in. Anyone who wishes to step out during loading should wear a bee suit.
Refund Policy
Cancellations within 10 days of your scheduled pickup date are eligible for a 40% refund. No refund will be issued for no-call or no-show orders within 48 hours of the scheduled pickup date.With Diggin’ Livin’s Complete Starter Hive, you’re beginning with locally adapted bees, thoughtfully crafted woodenware, and a bee-centered setup designed to support your colony from its first season into long-term resilience.
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