Best month to start

[NC_Bee]

Assuming all equipment is set up and in place and the last step is to introduce a new colony of bees, what is the best month to do this in? And how long/how much 'support' food do you need to initially give them?

[riverrat]

Thats a hard one to nail down it all revolves around the weather in the spring. I try to feed them until they got 2 deeps drawn then they are on there own

[brooksbeefarm]

I would say as early in the spring that you could get them.Usally April or May if you get your order in early:thumbsup:.Myself I would buy a nuc over a package if I was just starting beekeeping.It will give you a 2 to 4 week head start before the honey flow and with good weather,will make you some honey the first year.As far as feeding I would feed 1 to 1 sugar syurp until they built up strong or until they quit taking it.They will usally quit taking it when natural nectar starts comming in strong.Good luck Jack

[iddee]

Order your bees now and get them as soon as the breeder has them available. The earlier, the better. You are 35 miles from me. PM me your phone number if you want a list of local breeders.

[blammer]

In NC (I am assuming that is where you are) April will be a good month to put in a new hive.

Keep feeding them for at least a month or till the first honey flow.

[Ravenseye]

March or April should work good for you. Early as possible actually so that you have a good long season to get them settled. Look at your calendar and make sure that you have some time around the date you're planning to get them. Feeding, especially at first, is important.