Want to be prepared

[jasontatro]

Good morning all,

So...I purchased "standard" hive equipment for my first season. 3 boxes and 10 frames/foundation each per hive. My question for you all is this: Should I purchase surplus equipment to be prepared for any unexpected events? If you veterans were buying equipment for your first season...what would be the ideal?

Thanks,

Jason

[Ross]

I started with 2 medium boxes and frames per hive times 3 hives my first year. The second year I bought 50 mediums and frames. I'm on my second 50 now after 7 or 8 years. I haven't bought any bees and only a few queens. Unless you want to be prepared to catch swarms, you're probably good this year.

[Mike Gillmore]

Jason,

The answers can vary tremendously, based on what your beekeeping goals are.

If you are planning to stick with just one or two hives, then I would recommend getting 3 more boxes with frames ready to go now...if you can afford it.

Once word gets out that you are keeping bees, you will probably find yourself getting a swarm call or two... or you may need that extra equipment to do a split on your colony if you find them preparing to swarm.

It is very frustrating to get caught short on equipment and miss an opportunity.

[Michael Bush]

>Should I purchase surplus equipment to be prepared for any unexpected events? If you veterans were buying equipment for your first season...what would be the ideal?

Assuming you're a hobbiest with only a couple of hives, you should always have at least one extra bottom and lid around for swarms and splits. You should always have a few extra boxes with frames around in case you need to super in a heavy flow. You should always have at least one or two boxes WITHOUT frames for juggling things around when working hives, looking for queens, etc.

[jasontatro]

Thanks for the responses guys. I would like to take advantage of a swarm if one becomes available this season. I guess I will grab a little more equipment when I go to pick up my packages in 3 weeks.

Thanks again,

Jason