Hello from a new member and a new beekeeper

[Michael Anderson]

Just thought I'd offer an word of introduction. My 12 year old son bought a bee hive, so I in turn must become a proficient beekeeper to help him out. So I'm sure I'll be around with many question to ask, and maybe even a little useful information to share as well.

Anyway I've started a site to keep track of what's going on and share information. If you'd like to drop by and leave a comment I'd sure appreciate it. The url's http://bees.stuffwemake.com.

[onlygoodSHBisdeadone]

Welcome aboard

[jdb5949]

Michael,

Welcome to beesource. You will find the contributors to this forum are very helpful and knowledgeable. A lot of newcomers' questions are already answered at bushfarms.com.

I read your blog. I have to ask why you have only four frames of comb if you paid $200 for the beehive.

If you do only have one box (any size) of bees, you cannot take any comb, for any reason.

[Sundance]

This is definately the right
place to come to. Welcome and
glad to hear a young person has
interest.

[tecumseh]

welcome aboard mate....

the age of 12 (this was of course sometime during the last ice age) was just about exactly when i began tending to the bees. I do hope you and your son find it as fasinating and rewarding as I have.

having read a bit of your web site I would suggest that a 'fully functional hive' usually means at least one box with all frames covered with bees. and yes the frames depths are more than a bit confusing.

[BjornBee]

Welcome aboard. My money is on the son teaching(helping) you. ;)
Nice site your son put together.

[power napper]

Way to go guys! Welcome aboard.

[RAlex]

Micheal & Son ...Welcome to aboard !!! You and your son can make increases from the single hive, depending on your long term goals. I build most of my equipment during the the winter months but always seem to run low during the year...G`luck Rick

[livetrappingbymatt]

welcome to the site. nice to see younger bee keepers here.
bob evans

[Troutsqueezer]

Michael,

If it is as warm as you say in your area, I wouldn't leave the entrance reducer on longer than necessary since it inhibits ventilation. If it gets too hot, your bees will look for someplace cooler.

You mentioned you had no protection when you and your son opened the hive. At the minimum, you should always wear a veil when opening a hive, for eyesight reasons, among others.

Welcome.

[Michael Anderson]

Thanks for all the kind words of welcome. We'll have questions a-plenty soon.

>> I read your blog. I have to ask why you have
>> onlyfour frames of comb if you paid $200 for
>> the beehive.

Yes, we paid $200 for the hive. I thought it was a bit high too but I couldn't find anything else local, and it was getting really late in the season to buy a hive.

I was a little concerned about the lack of comb too. This was the first time we'd opened the hive so it was the first opportunity to notice.

>> If you do only have one box (any size) of
>> bees, you cannot take any comb, for any reason.

The hive consists of a hive box and a small super.

>> I wouldn't leave the entrance reducer on longer
>> than necessary since it inhibits ventilation

Good tip, we'll take care of that as soon as possible.

>> You mentioned you had no protection when you
>> and your son opened the hive.

He's the only one with any equipment. I plan on getting a veil soon.