Where to get a complete bee hive to start with

[CHICKENHEAD]

I am new to bee keeping and would like a complete 10 frame hive. I cant seem to find anything online to order one.

 

[gritsar]

Chickenhead, although I don't personally have any experience with these companies, here's a few you can try:

www.brushymountainbeefarm.com

www.betterbee.com

www.dadant.com

 

[CHICKENHEAD]

wow, this bee stuff is so confusing. I want a complete hive, but everywhere I find them say I have to order frames seperate. Too many parts.

 

[gritsar]

I gave away my Feb/Mar issue of Mother Earth News and I believe it was that issue that had a really good article about beekeeping in it. You might try doing a search on their website: www.MotherEarthNews.com

Good luck!

 

[ZuniBee]

I have a lot of links to beekeeping equipment suppliers on my website links page.

If you go to http://www.zunibeefarms.com/favorites.htm and scroll down to BeeKeeping Equipment Links you will see many to choose from. I have ordered from all of them and they are all great.

If you are just starting do you already have a smoker, bee suit, gloves, hive tool, etc? If not, I recommend getting a beginner kit with all the tools and the initial hive.

If you order a kit everything, to include the frames and foundation comes with it. If you have the rest of the equipment or don't want it, then you have to order separate. It is kind of confusing because you have to order the hive body, the frames and the foundation. There there are several sizes of hive bodies and frames and several types of foundation.

Also, you can order hives on ebay. I ordered three complete hives on ebay. They were at a good price and came with two hive bodies, 20 frames with foundation, hive cover, and bottom board.

If you have specific questions about setting up a hive or beekeeping in general don't hesitate to send me a pm and I will help you with it.

Also, http://forum.beemaster.com/ is a great beekeeping forum and one of the greatest sites with information is Bush Farms. Michael Bush has compiled a wealth of information on his website at http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm

Jay

 

[chrisf]

I got my complete hive including a "package" of bees and the queen from Betterbee. They are the best!

 

[CHICKENHEAD]

thanks for all the info. I will check out these sites!