Getting started...

[diabloceto]

Okay gonna go get my first hives here either next weekend or the week after depending on my work schedule. Couple of questions:

1. What considerations should I make for locating the bees? I have a fairly shady lot but I have some sunny spots. I have a spot that gets mottled sunlight and is right near a pond for a good water source.
2. What do I need to do to prepare the site where I want to keep them? Build stands, level, clear brush etc. etc.

Any other suggestions I haven't thought of would be most appreciated.

[newbee 101]

I think hives in the sun do better. A little afternoon shade is nice.

"What do I need to do to prepare the site where I want to keep them? Build stands, level, clear brush etc. etc"

All of the above.

"Any other suggestions I haven't thought of would be most appreciated."

Get yourself a screened bottom board, so you can keep an eye on the mite levels.

[ April 16, 2006, 07:31 PM: Message edited by: newbee 101 ]

[wade]

When I forsee getting a new hive I go to the spot its going to be and I take a square nose shovel, a carpenter's level, and 6 rectangular cinder blocks. I scape off the sod and a little dirt, then place 3 blocks, 2 side by side and 1 on the end going crosswise with the holes facing up and down. Then I level them good, tamp dirt inside, work it underneath, and pack it around the outside then smash the sod back down. I then stack the other 3 blocks on top of those, and if its not perfectly level and stable then shim that second story. The second story is optional. This is good for one hive. If more than a few are going in there are easier ways to set up a hive stand.

[Redneck]

I always like to have about a half a bead slanted to the front, so the rain will drain off landing board instead of running inside the hive. I agree that the hives should be shaded from the evening sun.

[Konrad]

Agree with the above!
I have one hive too much in the shade and this one had some molds on the outside frame, so I'm considering to move it more into the sun.
Konrad

[Michael Bush]

Try a search. This gets discussed about once a week. Basically the most important thing is easy access for you. You need to be able to drive up next to the hives. There are a lot of "nice to haves". But all in all the bees will do fine most places. I prefer full sun for production, but the shade is nice when working them. smile.gif