What ships with your Primal Bee hive kit, and how to order extras as your operation grows.
The Primal Bee hive kit is a fully modular system — every component can be ordered individually, so as your operation grows or things wear, you replace just the part you need rather than the whole hive. The base kit keeps pricing accessible by excluding brood frame foundations and super frames, which lets you choose your preferred setup. Volume discounts apply to larger orders, and we work with schools and institutions on custom arrangements.
For current pricing on the kit and all components, see primalbee.com.
What's included in the kit
Full kit contents are listed on the product page for your chosen configuration at primalbee.com.
Brood (nest) frame foundations are sold separately. This keeps the base price accessible and lets you choose your preferred foundation — many beekeepers prefer to wire and use their own traditional beeswax foundations.
Super frames are not included. Any standard medium or deep wooden frames from any beekeeping supplier will fit Primal Bee supers.
Plastic foundations are available on primalbee.com in packs of 4 and packs of 8.
Primal Bee hive tool is available individually on primalbee.com.
For dimensions, weights, and a full breakdown of what arrives in the box, see Hive weight, dimensions, and kit contents. For super-frame compatibility, see Primal Bee hive compatibility and frame dimensions.
Ordering additional parts and frames
Primal Bee is a fully modular system. Any part — extra proprietary nest frames, supers, covers, or other components — can be ordered individually.
Proprietary nest frames are an oversized format designed specifically for the Primal Bee nest box. The geometry is one of the Three Pillars behind Primal Bee's thermal performance, so they're only available through Primal Bee directly.
Standard super frames are compatible from any beekeeping supplier (Hillco's is a popular option).
Extra nest frames aren't currently listed on the webshop, but the team can help if you reach out directly.
Tip: Join Dr. Jason Graham, PhD, Head of U.S. Beekeeping Operations, during his complimentary weekly remote video office hours — Mondays at 10:00 AM PDT and Wednesdays at 2:00 PM PDT via Google Meet — for help with any Primal Bee or beekeeping questions.
Pricing and volume discounts
Pricing is tiered:
Single hive — single-hive pricing
5+ hives — bulk pricing
10+ hives — custom volume pricing with additional discounts
For current pricing across all tiers, see primalbee.com. Contact the team with your desired quantity for a tailored quote on larger orders.
School and institutional orders
Primal Bee works with public schools and educational institutions on purchasing, including accepting purchase orders. Share your school's details and purchasing requirements, and the team will coordinate payment arrangements directly.
Note: Primal Bee is a strong supporter of educational beekeeping programs and works to make purchasing as smooth as possible for schools.
FAQ
Will you accept a purchase order or check from a public school?
Yes. Primal Bee is happy to work with public schools and educational institutions. Share your school's details and purchasing requirements, and the team will coordinate directly with you on payment arrangements, including purchase orders.
What is the volume discount for 10 or more hives?
Volume pricing is tiered: single-hive, 5+, and 10+ tiers, with additional discounts for larger orders. For current published rates, see primalbee.com. Let the team know your quantity for a tailored quote.
Are foundations included with the hive kit?
Foundations for the nest (brood) frames are sold separately. This keeps the base kit price more accessible, and many beekeepers prefer to wire and use their own traditional beeswax foundations. Plastic foundations are available on primalbee.com as a ready-to-go option.
Why are the brood frame foundations sold separately?
Two reasons: to keep the base kit price accessible, and because many beekeepers prefer traditional wax foundations and the flexibility to choose their own method. Plastic foundations are available on primalbee.com as a ready-to-go option.
Does the kit come with super frames?
No. You can use any standard medium or deep wooden frames in Primal Bee supers — available from any beekeeping supplier. Reach out to the team with any frame compatibility questions.
How can I find out exactly what's included in the base kit?
Everything included in the kit is listed on the product page for your chosen configuration at primalbee.com. If anything is unclear or you'd like help choosing the right setup, reach out to the team.
Can I purchase just the frames with foundation and the hive tool separately?
Proprietary nest frames are designed specifically for the Primal Bee system and aren't sold separately for use in other hives — the geometry only delivers thermal performance as part of the integrated Three-Pillar system. Plastic foundations are available in packs of 4 and packs of 8, and the Primal Bee hive tool is available individually on primalbee.com.
When will extra nest frames be available for sale on the website?
Extra nest frames aren't currently available for individual sale on the webshop, but expanded accessory offerings are in the works. In the meantime, reach out to the team directly for additional frames.
How can I purchase additional brood box frames?
Additional proprietary brood (nest) frames can be purchased directly from Primal Bee. These are a proprietary oversized format designed specifically for the Primal Bee nest box, so they're only available through Primal Bee. Visit primalbee.com or contact the team to place an order.
Can additional frames be purchased separately?
Yes. Primal Bee is a fully modular system, so any part — extra proprietary nest frames, supers, covers, or other components — can be ordered individually. For standard super frames, those are available from any beekeeping supplier (Hillco's is a popular option). Let the team know the specific parts you need for help placing an order.