Bee farming

[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.