Bee keeping

[chefgian]

I have been successful at raising chickens and organic gardening for a year now. Time to add bee keeping. I need advice on what equipment to buy and what to stay away from. I also need to know where to get quality equipment and supplies from a trusted source that won't break the bank. I live in Stow, Ohio. Thank you my self sufficient friends.

 

[frank53061]

Remember there are different types of bee hives there is the more up to date fancy box with suppers and brood chambers and such and there is a more simple method called the TOP bar here is a picture of one and the web site http://www.farmhack.net/tools/simple-top-bar-bee-hive#forum
I raised bees growing up and did the Suppers and brooders and all that other fancy stuff .
The Top Bar style this seems to me to be more simplified.

 

[karenerwin]

Following. Getting bees this spring!

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Never heard of that before.

There's far more evidence I could site but here's an article:
https://daily.jstor.org/telling-the-bees/

 

[wickedlees]

I'm a beek as well! I have a hive and I used the Longstroth hive this year. It was my first hive, and it's been an amazing experience! The more everyone else here in CO complained about how terrible their crops were the better mine seemed to be doing! I had a bumper crop of everything from beans to corn to squash. I've found it hard to deal with some of the hard core clubs, they want you to pay all this money to be a member, I've found a TON of support and help online. The Bee Source website is awesome. Really great people willing to help.
I took a med super of honey this year, and left 2 deep for the bees. Next year I'm really interested in trying a top bar hive. It turns out I'm pretty allergic to bees, which has been a sever bummer, but I have found that the only times I really take stings is when I am not paying attention out in the garden and sit on a bee or weed without gloves or something equally not smart. I'm not letting it deter me and I'm going full steam ahead with at least one more hive next year, I hope they overwinter well, I believe that will be the case as my hive is very strong and I got my bees from a 40+ yr beek who is out here in CO, I advise if you are going to buy a Pac or a Nuc of bees, then get it from a local well respected source with strong bees for your climate.

Lisa

 

[wickedlees]

My first year of bee keeping haul (first batch) had 2.

 

[Jandsloch]

They were all gone when I checked today... not sure where they went!

I know a bit late but you could have closed yours up at night and moved them over there the stragglers May have gone in. For future reference if you r planning on moving colonies it is best to close them up at night when they r all in providing ventilation of course and then next morning move them and open then there is little chance of that many left behind bees

 

[Pinckney]

I did bees 2 years ago. Lots of work and expensive ($500-600?)! I went to a local bee school to learn as I went. It’s pretty fascinating when you dive into your hive. Start with 2 hives as you will probably lose one- $150ish each, you can buy packages (kind of like a box of loose bees) or already in kind of a mini/box hive with frames. These sell out soon so you’ll need to find your source and pre-pay. My instructor did not recommend the top bar, but I think that may have been from an equipment perspective? Not sure why people think the traditional hive is fancy??? There are some wonderful traditional decorations different cultures have added to them-the Hungarians in particular.

If you can find an experienced bee keeper and work for them for a season you’ll not make the expensive mistakes most make.

There is a bee conference in Kalamazoo MI in February that is supposed to be really good. I think they may sell bees too? The supplier matters! My local feed store is selling bees now but no idea where they are from.

 

[jdreeves]

I'm also in Ohio (Medina area)and I would suggest getting a book called The Backyard Beekeeper by Kim Flottum. I read his book and attended one of his classes since I live in the same area as he does. Very smart beekeeper! I've read lots of books and I think this is by far the easiest read and covers everything you need to know. I would also recommend you purchase all new hive materials. Do not buy used hives. Chances of getting a hive full of disease is just to great. Used equipment such as suits and tools shouldn't be an issue but not when it comes to the actual hive. I would also seek out a local bee equipment supplier if possible. Even if you have to drive a little ways. They are can be a great source of knowledge. I purchase my equipment from Queen Right Colonies in Spencer Ohio. They have a web site you can look at and order from. They have guided me away from buying things I didn't need and just don't work. They are good people.

 

[hollyhock]

a good site is http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/Top-Bar-Beekeeping-Method.aspx