A BEE thread....for those interested in beekeeping.

[sgtmom52]

Those are some happy bees. What is blooming that has them so excited? We've got goldenrod, asters and a few sunflowers left. I hope the girls are taking advantage of this nice weather and are packing the stores in.

It was a beautiful day and the Goldenrod is in full bloom right now. Based on all the pollen they were bringing in I would say they were working the goldenrod. We are supposed to have heavy rain this afternoon then a week full of mild temps and sunshine. hoping the bees are filling the hives. We did mite treatments and started feeding the lighter hives to get them ready for the winter.

 

[ellieemae]

We're considering adding a small hive to our "mini-farm" in the coming years. To be completely honest, the ONLY thing that has me reluctant is worry that it will increase the risk of my children getting stung (or me, I guess. I've got a pretty stout tolerance for pain but I also kind of like to avoid it).

I've been looking at this top bar hive: http://backyardhive.com/
Do any of you have it? Other versions of the top bar?

 

[boskelli1571]

Hi there,
I started with 2 top bars this year. I've been stung twice, both times when I was tending to the bees, otherwise they don't bother you.
2 web sites I recommend are biobees.com & goldstarhoneybees.com. There are plans out there for you to build your own hive - which I did. Much cheaper, less that $60 apiece! Goldstar has how to videos on youtube, worthwhile watching if you are considering bees.
When I first got bees I was a bit nervous, but now I feel more confident with them. Do you have a local beekeepers club? Usually a good source of info. but maybe sparse on top bar info. A good book is 'the thinking beekeeper' by Christy Hemenway - all about top bars.
I find listening to the hives very relaxing. If you decide to do it, order your bees early (january isn't too soon) since there is usually a waiting list.
Hope this was useful, Sue

 

[ellieemae]

Hi there,
I started with 2 top bars this year. I've been stung twice, both times when I was tending to the bees, otherwise they don't bother you.
2 web sites I recommend are biobees.com & goldstarhoneybees.com. There are plans out there for you to build your own hive - which I did. Much cheaper, less that $60 apiece! Goldstar has how to videos on youtube, worthwhile watching if you are considering bees.
When I first got bees I was a bit nervous, but now I feel more confident with them. Do you have a local beekeepers club? Usually a good source of info. but maybe sparse on top bar info. A good book is 'the thinking beekeeper' by Christy Hemenway - all about top bars.
I find listening to the hives very relaxing. If you decide to do it, order your bees early (january isn't too soon) since there is usually a waiting list.
Hope this was useful, Sue

Very, very useful, thank you! We do have a local beekeeper's club and I've been meaning to go to a meeting...need to get to work ont hat goal! I have had a few great conversations with two different local beekeepers, both members, and it sounds like something that we'd enjoy. Thank you also for being so open about the sting factor

 

[boskelli1571]

One thing I forgot to mention is that you probably won't get any honey the 1st year since the bees' have to build up their supply to survive winter, so patience is a must have! Sue

 

[cpegram]

Anyone on here from middle Tn? I am wanting to get started in bees this next spring.

 

[boskelli1571]

Hello,
While I'm not from Tn. I encourage you to start your bees next year! I was quite nervous when I started earlier this year, but it has become almost 2nd nature now and quite therapeutic. The bees won't let you hurry them along! Are you going to go with top bars, Langstroth or Warre? If you want to do solely organic I recommend you buy 'the thinking beekeeper' by Christy Hemenway - it has been a source of great info. for me.
If you can, go to bee-keeping classes, that's a great way to network your area. Join the local beekeeping society, they are usually very helpful.
Over the winter - read, read, read! Lots of info. on the internet, good luck, Sue

 

[cpegram]

I wasn't planning anything till spring and am planning to go to the next bee club meeting here...to learn more. I have bee boxes coming from NY from my grandfather whom used to be totally into bees back in the day

 

[boskelli1571]

Sounds like you have it well planned! Just make sure those old bee boxes are thoroughly scrubbed and clean just in case. You don't want to inherit foul brood or something equally nasty, Sue

 

[cpegram]

Oh definitely I believe these will be unused he is known for hoarding