Apiary

Kozy Acres has been in operations for over 12 years. What started out as "helping my dad on the weekends" has evolved into an enjoyable business for the entire family. My father and I along with some very good friends maintain the beekeeping operations, honey production, pollination services and supplemental products throughout the year. Upon having children, they have grown up with the business and are quite involved with the day-to-day operations. That is three generations of beekeeping!!! As a teenager, I thought my dad was nuts getting bees. Having been raised in the row homes of South Philadelphia, we moved to Southern New Jersey to take on more of the wholesome life of urban living. Beekeeping was just more sign that my parents were trying to make me a "Jersey Hick". I can remember my father asking me to give him a hand to move some hives for his first pollination contract. Hmmm…. Move bees or go party with my friends??? The choice to move the bees has led to some very enjoyable times with my family. Thanks Mom & Dad!!!

(This short movie is of our son Stephen ( 8 yrs old) emptying the bees into the Hivebox. Notice he isnt wearing any gloves!!)

Swarm

A swarm is a natural occurrence within a colony. A swarm occurs in the spring when there is huge growth within the colony. When the queen feels that the colony is too large for its home, she will take exactly half of the bees and try to find another home. Leaving behind the other half to make a new queen and continue living in their current home. When the queen leaves the hivebox she will land on a nearby branch or in a tree. She sends out scout bees to find a new home while she and the rest of the colony wait for their return, to lead them to their new home. While they are waiting the colony will congregate around the queen to protect her, forming a "Cone" around her. They will stay there until the scout bees return, when they know it is safe for their queen they return to lead the colony to their new home. We provide the service of swarm removal to the public.