Utter Newbee

[mxr618]

Hey, all -

I made a top bar hive because raising bees isn't exactly legal in my town and TBH's look like big bird feeders. I have read every scrap of everything, seen the videos. Tomorrow I'm watching a pal install two of his packages in his regular hives, mine should be here this weekend.

I can't really focus on my job, am terribly excited. If I can get them done before my bees get here, I'm going to make two more hives.

I still can't figure out how to feed them with the upside down feeder. Guess I better learn quick!

I built my hive from plans downloaded from www.backyardhive.com.

The goals for the year are:
1. don't lose the bees into the trees
2. don't get stung to death
3. don't end up killing them

Anyway, I thought I'd introduce myself. I've read all your posts and feel at the very least, I won't get stung to death.

[Aisha]

Welcome to the club! I look forward to hearing how your TBH works out.

Beekeeping is addictive! I never intended to have three hives on my suburban balcony after 9 months, but there they are, hopping with bees. It's super fun.

[Ardilla]

Look at this thread.

http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217451

There are others. but this one is active at the moment.

[Hanover Honey]

Good luck with your bird feeders! I prefer baggie feeders in my TBH but the Qt. size paint can works well too. Anyway, welcome to the most addicting thing you may ever do! If you have questions, ask, ask, ask.

If someone in your town "turns you in" for keeping bee, remember that they are not bees. They are East Brazilian Flying Wombats, to control the mosquitos of course. Let them prove you wrong!

Good Luck,
Corey

[mxr618]

You guys are great.

I was fortunate to spend yesterday afternoon with a friend who let me install one of his packages...it was great. He's got four different races going and has an all-organic philosophy. Makes me want to keep the terramyacin in the bag.

I've got some acreage in SW Wisconsin and am going to try to build two more hives but this late, I'm not sure I can find any more packages. We'll see.

I'm going to be building solar wax melters and nucs to support my new habit, so if anyone is interested in anything, ping me.

[Hanover Honey]

Keep the terramyacin in the trash, thats what I would do.

Build the other hives even if you don't think you can get a package. One thing you will learn as you go is that you can't have too much equipment. I cant tell you how many times I wished I had an empty nuc or another super for my Lang equipment or even a queen excluder, which I never needed untill I needed one (long story).
You may get a split or a swarm from your friend. And when you need the extra hive, you need it now!

[mxr618]

Sounds like a plan...you convinced me. Will commence the building of the second hive as soon as I can.

I'm also going to go ahead with two Lang hives in SW Wisconsin and hope I can find two more packages on top of the one I need.