Proven-to-type queen bees
The Kiwi hybrid queen displays the characteristics of both the Carniolan and Italian bee. The Carniolan bee overwinters well in smaller clusters and expands rapidly in Spring. The Italian tends to lay through the winter and so has a larger cluster size. The combination of the two traits means the positive characteristics of the Carniolan and the Italian produce a desirable hybrid queen bee 
This drone displays the typical appearance of an Italian bee. 
The kiwi hybrid bee has evolved over time since the introduction of the Carniolan bee to New Zealand. It shows characteristics of the darker Carniolan combined with the golden colour of the Italian.
Product information
- Price
- $65 (Price is per item, excluding GST, and in NZD)
- Order size
- 1 to 100
- Available types
- Proven-to-type Italian queen bees
- Proven-to-type Kiwi hybrid queen bees
- Availability
- to
Proven queen bees go through at least two brood cycles to show consistency of type (Italian or Kiwi Hybrid), good brood pattern, and a low likelihood of becoming drone layers. Research shows that proven queens are accepted more readily when introduced. You can be sure they’re always laying the type of bee you want. Proven queens shipped to you are our best quality, hand-selected queen bees.
Our queens are open-mated, also known as naturally mated.
Queens are carefully selected for their:
- genetic diversity
- sealed (capped) brood pattern
- productivity
- calm temperament
- hygienic behaviour
- queen longevity
- anti-swarm behaviour
About our Proven-to-type queen bees
Quantity
Limited proven queen bees are available, so we recommend ordering in advance of when you need them.
Proven-to-type queen bees have been shown to adapt better to being transferred to a new colony.
Ordering Proven-to-type queen bees
Price
$65 + GST plus packaging and postage
Order
Use the order form to place your order. We want to meet your needs, so let us know your preferred delivery time frame and any special instructions you have. We’ll be in touch within one working day to let you know availability.
Once we’ve agreed on a plan for delivery and what you need, we’ll confirm your order.
Payment and delivery information
Payment
We’ll send an invoice for payment closer to the delivery date, before the bees are shipped.
Delivery
We can deliver almost anywhere in New Zealand overnight so wherever you are, you can benefit from our decades of experience in bee-keeping and breeding.
All queens are delivered by overnight courier and we use the last delivery of the day to minimise time out of the hive. We post queens Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to avoid any weekend delays.