Your Local Beekeeping Supplier
We are pleased to offer a storefront where you can shop for beekeeping equipment and bee-loved plants in one location. Try on bee suits, look at our display hives, order your bees, and more.
Our beekeeping department is devoted to supporting bees and their keepers. We cater to beginning and experienced beekeepers, as well as people interested in supporting honeybees and native bees in their own gardens and in their communities.
We provide high-quality beekeeping equipment in addition to expert hive services, instruction, and support. Your success at beekeeping is our number one priority!
From the Beekeeping Blog
Bees in February
Hello beekeeper! Longer day length triggers honey bee queens to increase egg production. Your honey bee colonies have likely been slowly building brood population since Winter Solstice. Ideally, they will reach peak population when blackberries are blooming later in...
Pre-Order Live Bees
Time to place your pre-orders for live bees! We are a distributer of live bees for Fred Selby, a 2nd generation beekeeper from Chico, California. Previously the head of the Shonnard’s Nursery Beekeeping Department, Fred now professionally operates his apiary near...
What is a Fresh Nucleus Hive?
We are proud to offer nucleus hives created by Fred Selby, a 2nd generation beekeeper. After being head of the Shonnard’s Nursery beekeeping department, Fred now professionally operates his apiary near Brownsville, Oregon. What is a Fresh Nucleus Hive? A fresh nucleus...
Hive Consultation Package
An hour and a half spent working hives with a beekeeping specialist can do wonders to increase your skills and experience! A consult will give beginning and intermediate beekeepers benefits beyond the duration of each session.
We believe our Hive Consultation Package ultimately saves beekeepers money, frustration, and heartache. We are proud to offer this service to our beekeeping community.
Our consultations will help you:
- Work your bees with greater confidence. You will feel less anxiety about getting into your bees, allowing you to complete necessary tasks on time.
- Identify diseases more readily, increasing the likelihood you will be able to intervene early.
- Assess mite infestation levels with more accuracy, greatly improving your colony’s survival chances.
- Read the brood nest and colony strength with more fluency.
- Be familiar with the resources available to help you become a better beekeeper.
Beekeeping FAQs
Common questions from beginner beekeepers.
Can bees be kept within Corvallis & Philomath city limits?
Can bees be kept within Corvallis & Philomath city limits?
How many hives should you have?
How many hives should you have?
One hive is okay, but we like to see a couple of hives per keeper. One reason is that you can compare their performance against one another to catch problems earlier, and even transfer resources from a robust hive to a weaker one when needed. The state department of agriculture does require you to register if you are keeping more than 5 hives.
What will your honeybees forage?
What will your honeybees forage?
Keep in mind the foraging needs of a colony, and don’t try to keep more than local flower resources can support. Most honeybees will forage within 2-5 miles of their hive so be aware of what blooms are in your local area.
How do you know if bee-friendly plants are in the area?
How do you know if bee-friendly plants are in the area?
While honeybees do have favorite flowers based on shape and pollen, the key is to have blooming plants late spring to early fall when the bees are active. At Shonnard’s, we are always available to assist you in choosing plants that are beneficial to pollinators should you choose to enhance the colony’s foraging options. For plant suggestions, here is a plant list of seasonal sources for nectar and pollen - Plants for Bees.
What other native bees can you support?
What other native bees can you support?
Browse Tutorials
Learn directly from our knowledgeable staff on a variety of beekeeping basics and follow us on YouTube to stay informed!
Willamette Valley Native Bees
Building Your First Beehive
Beekeeping Equipment & Tools
Installing Package Bees
Treating Varroa Destructor
Feeding Your Beehives
Your Success is Our #1 Priority
Receive Our Monthly Beekeeping Newsletter
In addition to being your local source for quality beekeeping supplies, we’re here to help you be successful! Sign up to receive:
- Relevant and timely beekeeping tips
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- Live bee ordering information
- New arrival updates
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