The Honey Factory

[R2elk]

Tomorrow, I'm going to go look at a hive set up for sale, no bees included. Hive, I think he said 4 supers(?), smoker, suit, honey extractor, and I can't remember anything else. $400 for all of it.

Assuming it's all in good shape, it's a steal for that price.

 

[Sally PB]

Assuming it's all in good shape, it's a steal for that price.

Looking up the price of individual various things online, I kind of thought so. We're going to look at it tomorrow.

 

[Sally PB]

We bought it! $400 and it looks like it's in good shape.

2 brood boxes
2 deep boxes
feeder box
suit
smoker
nuc box (no bees)
extractor
lots of small stuff in a box

Looking up buying bees, I saw that TSC has packages for $220. I found a source of nucs about 65 miles away for $165.

 

[R2elk]

We bought it! $400 and it looks like it's in good shape.

2 brood boxes
2 deep boxes
feeder box
suit
smoker
nuc box (no bees)
extractor
lots of small stuff in a box

Looking up buying bees, I saw that TSC has packages for $220. I found a source of nucs about 65 miles away for $165.

The TSC $220 includes shipping charges.

 

[Sally PB]

Yes, true.

I have read a nuc is easier. As a rank beginner, I'll need easy.

Any opinions on nuc versus package?

 

[R2elk]

Yes, true.

I have read a nuc is easier. As a rank beginner, I'll need easy.

Any opinions on nuc versus package?

Nuc will already have eggs laid and brood started. Queen will already be settled in and accepted by the swarm.

Package will have assorted bees and queen will be in a cage. There will not be any eggs laid or brood started. Queen will need to be released by the swarm and accepted.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Yes, true.

I have read a nuc is easier. As a rank beginner, I'll need easy.

Any opinions on nuc versus package?

Installing packages is my least favorite thing to do in beekeeping. It's very stressful, especially the first time.
If you can get a nuc, I'd recommend doing that.
Always keep track of the queen so you don't smash her.

 

[BallsEleven]

Yes, true.

I have read a nuc is easier. As a rank beginner, I'll need easy.

Any opinions on nuc versus package?

Go with a nuc if you can.

 

[Sally PB]

Go with a nuc if you can.

I just ordered one.

 

[Sally PB]

It's about 1.5 hour drive from me, in Fremont, MI. Great Lakes Bee Co.

I go pick them up May 6. That gives me some time to learn about on my new project and also get the hive set up.

I'm excited...