Bee farming

[20 20]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[MikeD74T]

Have you looked here? Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association (SABA) MikeD74T

 

[heehaw]

ok, sorry it took so long, but here is a link to some pretty good beekeeping info
Basic Beekeeping
hope this helps.
heehaw

 

[dsquared]

I've been keeping bees for twenty plus years. It's definitely not as easy as it used to be. I'd hate to try to make a living at it, but it's a fun and fascinating hobby. I usually maintain around 5 hives and bottle a couple hundred pounds of honey a year. You can learn a lot by joining a local bee club. I can recommend some very good books If you'd like.

This is about the best website I've found: Beesource Beekeeping Forums

 

[20 20]

Again thanks everyone, the sites are interesting.

 

[JB4310]

Again thanks everyone, the sites are interesting.

20 20,

I have a 96 year old friend who still has a small apiary and sells honey.

I can ask him any specific question you or anyone else has, he is still very sharp and would be a good exercise for him.

He was the local dealer for the equipment and bees, so the other local guys would put their orders in with him.

JB.

 

[20 20]

I grew up on honey, I'd take a small jar of honey over a candy bar, anyday I just want to try my luck at it, not trying to go crazy and start a business. I'm still looking at simple stuff and small $$$ get started items. I did help an ole timer years ago when I was young but I know I've forgot'en a lot. I'll need everything that would be needed for a small start up "kit". I plan on talking to some locals and see if I can learn something???? I noticed the start up kits{bees} sell out fast so must be folks are enjoying this venture?

 

[buckeyefarmer]

My dad still has a few hives, he used to have a lot. Bee keeping he called it, although I planted a few after they stung me. He made all his boxes and supers and like most kids, I never learned a thing about it.

 

[dsquared]

If you are going to order package bees, you need to do it now. The worst way to ship them is via US Mail. The post office doesn't want to handle them but is forced by Congress. Your bees will be handled by people who are afraid of them and liable to be mishandled and left in cold drafty areas and on loading docks. The best way is to get with your local club and buy as a group and have someone drive to the supplier and pick them up, or buy from on the the bee supply houses that do the same thing and have "bee pickup days" at their facilities. Brushy Mountain Bee Farm has pick-up days at their NC and PA facilities; I think Walter Kelly has them at their place in KY. There are others across the country. That way you get them a day or so after they are packaged and they have been well treated and protected.

If you are seriously considering getting into it, you better act now or they will all be spoken for. I have a feeling that the cold weather in the south is going to cause them scheduling problems.

 

[20 20]

Dsguared, you are correct about buying early. I have had something come up{again} but am still hoping to have time???? I understand what you're saying about the mail delivery. I believe I have found a place not all that far away.

This might be a stupid question, but, is it best to place the hive in direct sun or in shade?

 

[JB4310]

This might be a stupid question, but, is it best to place the hive in direct sun or in shade?

Don't know the correct answer, but I can tell you I've seen them in every possible location from direct sun to total shade. usually the entrance is facing south.

I was trying to learn a little from the old timer I mentioned, there is alot going on in those hives from the little I did learn, they make several different products in there.

Last year my friend got a rare batch of black locust honey, almost crystal clear!
It's a sticky job cleaning those supers and frames.

JB.

 

[heehaw]

the sooner the hive warms up of a morning, the sooner the little buggers start working: full sun is fine in most cases: when the temps get like they do here in Arkansas in july an august, a midday an afternoon shade is best: but early sun for sure.
heehaw

 

[dcyrilc]

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.

This is where I used to get my equipment. Beekeeping Super Store Best Prices & Selection of Beekeeping Supplies For Honeybees - Mann Lake Ltd.

I lost my last hive two years ago and with everything I have going on I just don't have time to care for them right now. I will be getting back into it in the future though. Locate and join your local beekeeping group. You can't beat the knowledge available there. If it's like around here, it also gives you access to swarms to collect. I was on the local swarm call list and added a couple of hives from swarms I collected. Good fellowship too.