Chickens in Permaculture

[Leahs Mom]

@aart
Have you considered top bar or the cathedral style top bar hives? They should be way easier for a single person to maintain at a "homestead" level and are often recommended just for that reason.

I don't think you're too far from me - I have the video from this site if you want to borrow it. It's very good. http://www.backyardhive.com/

(Cathedral Hive: http://www.backyardhive.com/the_cathedral_hive_the_next_evolution_in_top_bar_hive_design/ )

I also have the full volume of The Practical Beekeeper: Beekeeping Narually by Michael Bush.

This has been the best education for me...as are his posts all over "beedom" if you want to take the time to find them. http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Bee...id=1450222242&sr=1-1&keywords=beekeeping+bush




Edited to fix the correct name of the book.

 

[centrarchid]

Very well aware of the huge learning curve, am pretty well versed in biology and insects in particular.....
....and have a retired science teacher with 6 years hive experience as my local hands on mentor.

Thinking about lifting 30+ pounds without using my body as a fulcrum, in a bee suit with gloves,
without jiggling it and pissing off a bunch of stinging insects gives me the heebiejeebies.

Be prepared to consider carrying capacity. Beekeepers I have met in person and on the internet seldom have an inkling about what that means. Sometimes that includes seasoned guys. The commercial / migratory guys seem have a better handle on that.

 

[aart]

Quote: Um...I am considering carrying capacity, thought that was pretty clear my post that you quoted

......assuming you meant my capacity to carry the weights involved.

 

[aart]

@Leahs Mom haven't investigated the top bar enough yet to know if it will produce and manage the way I want.
Don't like the idea of not reusing comb for bees to refill tho.

Thanks for the link.

 

[centrarchid]

Um...I am considering carrying capacity, thought that was pretty clear my post that you quoted  
......assuming you meant my capacity to carry the weights involved.

I mean the landscapes capacity to support honey bees and other pollinators.

 

[aart]

Quote: Ohhhhh, OK!!...Yes, I have thought about that and am assessing that also...for both pollen and nectar.

 

[centrarchid]

Do not restrict your thinking to spring and early summer flow. Bottleneck seems to be fall.

 

[aart]

Do not restrict your thinking to spring and early summer flow. Bottleneck seems to be fall.

Yep....Fall will be critical to balance harvest and winter stores.
I figure it will take a couple years of watching to see what/when they find what they need for winter.

There's ALOT to think about...and I am looking at it all.
But I have good local resources for info, my mentor and an excellent Bee Club 30 minutes away that holds a Bee School in Feb and they Jan meeting is about getting started.

 

[aart]

@aart
Have you considered top bar or the cathedral style top bar hives? They should be way easier for a single person to maintain at a "homestead" level and are often recommended just for that reason.

I don't think you're too far from me - I have the video from this site if you want to borrow it. It's very good. http://www.backyardhive.com/

(Cathedral Hive: http://www.backyardhive.com/the_cathedral_hive_the_next_evolution_in_top_bar_hive_design/ )

I also have the full volume of The Practical Beekeeper: Beekeeping Narually by Michael Bush.

This has been the best education for me...as are his posts all over "beedom" if you want to take the time to find them. http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Bee...id=1450222242&sr=1-1&keywords=beekeeping+bush




Edited to fix the correct name of the book.

Which is better the books or the DVD?
My library has all 3 volumes of the books....just now reserved them and will pick them up by the weekend.

 

[centrarchid]

Yep....Fall will be critical to balance harvest and winter stores.
I figure it will take a couple years of watching to see what/when they find what they need for winter.

There's ALOT to think about...and I am looking at it all. 
But I have good local resources for info, my mentor and an excellent Bee Club 30 minutes away that holds a Bee School in Feb and they Jan meeting is about getting started.

My efforts with mine and surrounding lands is to manage for warm season flowers and a more intense mid fall blooming period. Not all blooms equal and typical farming methods do not promote flows at key times.