Any beekeepers here?

[JurassicBawk]

When I got the nuc, two of the frames were black plastic. Everything I've added has been a foundationless frame with a starter strip built in the top, but the farm with the nucs also has a retail shop and was testing the plastic ones. The bees don't seem to mind one way or the other. It did take them longer to build the foundation from scratch than to build off the plastic foundation, but I wasn't trying to get honey this year anyway so I didn't mind.

 

[R2elk]

Looking for somebody with beekeeping experience. I've been considering keeping bees and I just moved to a new home that backs up to a marsh (however, it is in a neighborhood), so it seems like a good opportunity to get started.

- I've been told/read that you do not need a lot of land to keep bees because they travel a few miles from their hive during the day. Is this true?

- Looking for different hive designs. I'd like to build something over the winter and then possibly get the bees in the spring. Does anybody have suggestions?

- Any other good-to-knows? I've done some reading online but I'd like to get some first hand accounts.

Thanks!

The very first thing to do is to check your state and local laws so that you can comply with them.

Every state has different laws regarding keeping honeybees. For example, my state requires the beekeeper to get a permit before getting bees. For the hobbyist beekeeper the permit is free and allows the hobbyist to keep up to 5 hives. This is not to imply that your state has the same requirements if any but you need to find out what your state laws are.

Many municipalities now permit beekeeping and add additional regulations that must be followed.

Good luck.

 

[Happy Chooks]

We do have a beekeeping section on our sister site, Backyard Herds. I have had bees for 5 years now, I think.

Yes, bees will forage 2-3 miles to find pollen and nectar. Pollen is used to raise bees and nectar is used for honey. Beekeeping is VERY local. What works for me in CA will not work for you in VA. Bloom times are different, plant source is different, climate is different, etc. If you can find a beekeeper near you to mentor you, that would help you a lot.

I have Langsroth hives. I like them for ease of inspections, and they stack easily. I have never had any other type of hive, so I can't compare it to the others. My understanding of top bar hives is you have to stay on top of them, as they run out of room quicker.

Definitely treat for mites. I underestimated the power of the mite, and I lost my first hive their first winter. It is a much larger problem than you think.

If you can afford it, get 2 hives. You will be able to compare them and notice differences between them. You can build the boxes over winter and get the frames, equipment, etc. but you will get the bees in late spring.

Plan on screwing up....a lot. I'm still making mistakes. I've talked with beekeepers that have been working bees for 30+ years and they still say they are learning from the bees. When you think you know something, the bees show you that you don't.

My 2nd hive this year is busting at the seams, a very healthy population going into winter. #1 hive has a good population, but lost their queen last winter and it took me a while to get them queenright, so their population is not as packed as #2.

 

[Happy Chooks]

When I got the nuc, two of the frames were black plastic. Everything I've added has been a foundationless frame with a starter strip built in the top, but the farm with the nucs also has a retail shop and was testing the plastic ones. The bees don't seem to mind one way or the other. It did take them longer to build the foundation from scratch than to build off the plastic foundation, but I wasn't trying to get honey this year anyway so I didn't mind.

Black plastic foundation is really helpful to those starting, as it makes it easier to spot eggs in the cells.

 

[citychknraising]

@Happy Chooks - Great! I didn't know that site existed, I will check it out! Did about 5 minutes of searching and found that there is a large beekeeping association in my area. I'll attend one of the upcoming meetings and see if I can't link up with somebody to learn from their experiences here in VA. Love the picture, your hive looks packed!