I Want to Start Beekeeping

[brooster]

So hwhat do you all think of having a hive on one acre? The pigs are in their own run, will the bees attack them? What is the addy for the beemaster forum?

 

[brooster]

I got the e-mail Ann, is the one with free shipping just close to you or do they auctually have free shipping?

 

[Reinbeau]

Brushy Mountain is in North Carolina, you just missed their free shipping sale, December 1-19, but they do usually offer free shipping for new beekeepers later on, in February or so, I'll keep my eyes peeled and let you know what the coupon code is.

As for having a hive on one acre, we've got four on a half acre. You won't even notice they're there, as long as you sight their flight path properly. Mine are down by my chicken coop and there is absolutely no interaction between the two.

Here's a picture, pardon the mess, we were still in construction mode and hadn't policed the area yet. It's neater looking out there now, under the nice snow cover!

 

[brooster]

I am thinking abou going here, cause they are in driving distance. http://www.groebfarms.com/2007BEECAT.pdf

How many hive bodies and suppers do i need? And if i dont have an extractor, how will i get the honey out of the frames?

 

[Reinbeau]

Quote:
Driving distance is good, your bees won't have travelled as far as they do when they come up here!

Depending on how you want to work your hive, you either need two deeps for the hive body and then I'd start out with two or three mediums for honey, or you could go with straight mediums, in which case you'll need three for the hive body and two or three for honey.

You can do the crush and strain method for harvesting your honey, but that is such a waste of resources for the bees - have you checked into a local bee club? Many have an extractor they let the members use. Where are you located? ETA oh, you're lucky, you're in Ohio. The Ohio State Beekeepers' Association is a great group! Check their website for local clubs, they'll be able to hook you up! We just had a speaker come up here from there telling us all about their queen breeding program, very well run and well organized.

 

[brooster]

I was thinking instead of buying everything at once, what would i need from start up in April until july, then i could get the rest for my birthday in july. I would have enough money, but i spent it all on a hog barn for my 4-H Pigs, after the livestock aucton at the fair. I wont be able to get a job until i can drive in july, so if i just get what i need betwwen April and mid july, it would help me out. It would pretty much probably be the honey suppers and frames, but it would save me about $50 bucks. I will have to find out when the Honey flow is in my area. Ok, our main honey flow is in April/May, i will get the bees in April.