New and taking over someone else hives, what should I do?

[comerrick]

This is my first attempt at beekeeping. And I have to go through a ton of hoops for the town to keep bees here but in the meantime, a friend of mine found out that I would be doing it and offered her bees for me to work on. She is allergic and her dh can't physically do it anymore. They have 4-5 hives and haven't touched them in a couple of years. She knows they are still out there though. How should I approach this. Should I try to clean them up, take out some if they are honey bound, and get them ready for winter OR is it best to leave them alone until spring? I have read some on getting started but nothing on taking over abandoned ones so what should I do? Thanks so much.
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[Eaglerock]

Well if they have been ok for the last few years, then I am sure another winter they will be ok too. You might go and check their hives and see if they need painting. You could even give them a once over inside the hive. But I am thinking it would be best to wait until spring. If you have a camera, take a few pix, we would all love to see what they look like.

[Fishdude123]

I would suggest finding your local chapter of beeks and finding a friend. I am new this year too and I found this most helpful!
Good luck. :)

[comerrick]

Thanks, I'm still looking for a chapter and so far, no luck. I'm sure it is the fact that I have no clue where to look either. ;)
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[comerrick]

Oh and I do know that one is knocked over but when she last checked bees were going in and out of it. But then again, those could be bees that are robbing it. :rolleyes:
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[Troutsqueezer]

If they were mine I would at the very least insert some strips of Apistan into each hive soon and also check to see if any are light on honey. If you find some that are, I would feed them to help build up winter stores.

[Swobee]

A guy named Riverrat on this site, lives right in your back yard. He'll come along sooner or later, but I doubt he'd mind if you call him directly. I'll PM you with his contact information. Hot Dog, another Kansas bee keeper! Welcome to the hobby/business.

[comerrick]

That would be great! Thanks.
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[Eaglerock]

http://www.beesource.com/suppliers/association/ks.htm

[Price Loftin]

www.nekba.org Northeastern beekeepers association, I would suggest as a previous post to suit up and go over and check out he hives. They need a certain amount of honey In our cold environment we leave them with two deeps full. Check out the condition how many bees are there how many frames full. I requeen in the fall so you might consider that if you have the money. Let us know how it goes so we can help if possible. But contact that website to try and find some help. Looks like there are going to have a picnic, straighten up the hives and have fun. :rolleyes: Price

[comerrick]

Looks like I need to get a hold of the Central Beekeepers Assn. I am only 6 miles from Belle Plaine. Thanks
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[Troy]

I started out the same way. I took over 2 hives that had sat for 3 years and "rescued" them.

For me it was a real adventure, because the boxes were rotted out at the corners and bees were coming in and out in several places. some of the frames fell apart when I tried to get them out etc.

One at a time I worked my way through those boxes cleaning them up and replacing equipment until I had it all done.

My advice is to go slow and easy. When you are starting out it is easy to get overwhelmed.

Also, my advice is to pretty much leave them alone this fall. My only concern would be if they have enough food to get through your winter there. If the boxes are solid and the hive is big enough, I wouldn't do anything.

If they've gone 3 yrs with no tending, they are fine as far as mites are concerned. They obviously like their location pretty well too.

Next spring I'd start in trying to make sure they have enough food in the early spring and the queen is laying well. After that I'd start looking at the condition of the frames and boxes etc.

Have fun - Don't worry.