Bee farming

20 20 · Feb 4, 2010

Hey folks just wanted to ask about ANY info about bee's. Many moons ago I helped an old neighbor with his bee's and ever sense have wanted my own. I have been planing on getting some year after year, but it doesn't seem to work out. Well this year I believe it can happen, what advice do ya'll have for a semi-beginner. I found a place that has 5 nucs plus bee's for 100.00. I also need places to buy equipment that are reputable. Thanks for any suggestions.

dmccarty · Feb 4, 2010

Check your county extension office and see what they have to say. The bee keepers in my county have been helping get new bee keepers going by not only advising the new people but also supply bees and equipment.

I doubt this is happening in many places but you might BEE surprised if you ask.

Later,
Dan

bjr · Feb 4, 2010

I'm sure you're aware of the Colony Collaspe thing. I got a buddy tryin' bees for about 7-8 yrs and he tells me it's losing propasition. They either swarm and leave or just go-away. He said he's feeding them (sugar water) which can get expensive and constantly building or fixing hive boxes. A lot of his bees are given to him by removing unwanted hives in old buildings and such. Good luck to you though. bjr

dave1949 · Feb 4, 2010

dmccarty said:
Check your county extension office and see what they have to say. The bee keepers in my county have been helping get new bee keepers going by not only advising the new people but also supply bees and equipment.

I doubt this is happening in many places but you might BEE surprised if you ask.

Later,
Dan

The area beekeepers here hold a very low cost 'bee' school each year to help folks get started. Every year, I feel guilty for not going

If someone is interested in bees for pollination rather than honey, there have been a lot of articles lately on providing habitat/protection for native bees.

Here is one:
Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees
Dave.

heehaw · Feb 4, 2010

i've kept bees for almost 30 years, just for pollination: i have a good website bookmarked on another computer, i will attach it as soon as i can: i have bought equipment from a lot of different companies: even bought some off ebay: shipping cost determines where i buy it much more than quality of equipment: i don't remember ever being unhappy with the quality of any of the stuff i have ordered. i keep 3 honey extractors, that i try to loan or rent to people, mainly to keep folks interested in beekeeping.
heehaw

schmism · Feb 4, 2010

ive got 2 hives. this will be my 2nd spring (third year) its been trying at times, fun at times, and a btich durring others.

as most hobbies its really not about how much time it takes, or how much money it costs....

Western · Feb 4, 2010

I too have thought about raising bees, no reason really, I just like them..

When I was around 9-10, I had an after school work program (sorta like FFA) that was making bee boxes. I built the inside comb holder frames and the older guys built various parts of the box. I do remember that there where certain important variances as too entry hole size, air flow, ease of access and a bunch of other stuff.

We have bees in two of our large oaks, they are fairly docile as I have a deer bow blind in one of the trees. I have never been stung or really paid attention to by them and they are fascinating to just watch.

I know there are a few supply company's and allot of info with a google search, but with 30 years into it, I'd pick Hee Haws brain..

20 20 · Feb 5, 2010

Thanks everyone, I want them for pollination of our fruit trees and of course some honey. Plus I also think they are quite interesting. I have even seen/read where the sting of a honey bee can help with slowing MS{????}

Dave1949; I just missed out on a free class in bee keeping