The Carniolan (Carnica) honey bee is a subspecies of the Western honey bee, naturally adapted to Slovenia, the Austrian Alps, and parts of Eastern Europe. Known as Carniolans or “Carnies,” they are the second most popular bees among beekeepers after Italians. Dark with brown bands, they are slightly smaller than other bees but just as efficient at foraging. They also thrive in regions like Hungary, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

🚚 Special Next Day Delivery – To ensure safe delivery of your queen bees, please choose Special Delivery with tracking at the checkout.

🐝 A marked, open-mated Carnica queen in a slow-release introduction cage (not clipped). 📦 Secure ventilated packaging to keep your queen safe during transit. 🔎 Fully tracked delivery – You’ll receive email & text updates, plus a tracking code on dispatch day.

📍 Double-check your address! We can’t be responsible for failed deliveries due to incorrect details or if no one is available to sign for the package. 📅 Choose your dispatch date carefully – Your queen will arrive the following day. If selecting ‘ASAP’, we’ll send it as soon as available, but date-specific orders take priority. ✉️ Royal Mail Special Delivery (Pre-1pm) – Must be signed for on arrival. We guarantee live arrival only when using this service. If your queen arrives damaged or dead, we will replace her free of charge. 🐝 Queen Introduction – Queens should be introduced as soon as they arrive. Colonies must be hopelessly queenless before opening fondant tabs.

🛒 Order separately – Queen bee orders must not be combined with other products, as they are available at different times of the year. Any excess postage will be refunded.

🚫 We cannot guarantee a successful introduction – Bees are wild creatures, and while we provide guidance, we cannot be held responsible if the introduction is unsuccessful.