The best advice from a established beek to a nwbee

[Panhandle Scott]

I am sure this has been discussed but for all of you established beeks what advice do you think will help a new hobby type of beekeeper out there.

From what I have learned is to keep at least two hives for comparison on hive strength and to join your local beekeeper association.

Everybody has opinions on feeding, pest control, 8 vs 10 frame, etc but if you were to advise a first year beek then what words of wisdom would you impart.

[peacekeeperapiaries]

Two hives is smart not but so much from a comparison aspect because every hive is different. Having two hives allows you the opportunity to first learn from two and also have options to assist 1 hive with resources from the other such as brood if one is weak, eggs if one goes queenless, honey and pollen if one is hungry. I tell all new beeks to start with at least 2 hives. Other advice is, read, read, read, and ask lots of questions here and of other beeks. A local mentor is a great help, a beekeeper association is very helpful, and most of all don't be afraid to get out there and open the hives; first hand experience is priceless and catching problems before they get out of hand is absolutley necessary. And just when you think your catching on....those little buggers with throw another curveball at ya. Have fun.

[NasalSponge]

Read.....buy books, rent books, borrow books, and read read read. Subscribe to ABJ and BC mags. See if you can find a "good" mentor. Did I mention read?:D Starting with two hives IMO is a must, way to easy to suffer disaster with just one. Go into your hives often the first year for sure so you can see in real life all the many things you read about in the many many books you read.:D

[Panhandle Scott]

I forgot about the reading part.....seems though I can't find enough of it.

This site is by far the best for knowledge but you gotta keep in mind, what works in Washington State might not apply to Florida. That is where your local asssociation comes in handy.

I guess even though people house, store, feed, raise, etc, bees they are still a wild insect in part as that we can't control where they go. With any creature with wild tendencies they will always throw you a curve once in awhile to keep you honest.

[bhfury]

Eat lots of bacon.... it will make you really, really smart..... Just ask Derek!!! :D:D:D

[Panhandle Scott]

Eat lots of bacon.... it will make you really, really smart..... Just ask Derek!!! :D:D:D

LOL:D I love bacon....just not as much as him.

[Countryboy]

One of the best skills you can have is paying attention to detail. Learn what the bees are doing, and why.

If you are going to make any money with bees, it's going to involve hard work. Lazy people don't get rich with bees.

I also tell new beekeepers to accept that they will be stung. It's part of the job.

[bradkeskey]

I'm a five month old beek. I agree with everything. Let me type in mine because I'm bored, and new.

Books. Beekeeping for Dummies is my favorite, #2 is the XYZ and ABC book, love the cyclopedia. Anything and everything in between. I have a small library now.

Beesource. Oh yeah, you are already here. Ok, I read tons of posts and sometimes I have to stop when I get to the fifth answer for the first question and I get lost. Joking.

Mentor. I have a mentor with 30 years exp. who just lost his sight but has been a great resource for me. He also gives me many answers to the same question though. I also have a relative that has 25 years exp. and gave me a bunch of his equipment, including my newly beloved two frame Walter Kelley stainless extractor.

Internet. Google it and read what you find. I go to youtube and watch videos when I get bored of the books.

NKYBEEKEEPER.COM. Darcy has some GREAT GREAT beginner podcasts, and a cool site with his experiences too. He's also a beginner, he started last year with his TWO hives. He's a really great guy and loves to talk bees, I email back and forth with him regularly, check out his site!

Brad

[beedeetee]

Look at the activity at the entrance of the hive for a couple of minutes before you open the hive. After a few years you will be able to tell a lot about your hive by just walking up to it. Not everything though.

[Lil Grain of Rice]

My mentor taught me in the beginning go into your hives frequently, because that's how you'll learn. Sage advice that it was, I was in every few days and loved it and learned alot, but now I'm having to cut back to give the girls a break so they can get some work done before winter. Withdrawal sucks. That's my lesson :pinch:

[JOHNYOGA2]

Avoid, if you can, the temptation to do too much. Bees have lived happily for millions of years without you. While the two of you can enjoy an symbiotic relationship that will make both of you happier and healthier, they could do quite nicely alone.

[waynesgarden]

I consider myself a new bee keeper even though I had bees 25 years ago.

The single best thing I did this year was take the 12 week bee keeping class offered by the Western Maine Beekeepers association. After the course was over, association members held open hives at their bee yards and the hands-on experience augmented the 12 weeks of instruction.

Wayne

[Ardilla]

JOHNYOGA2 has is right. It was the hardest lesson for me to learn, and I still need reminders now and again. When in doubt - do nothing. Usually there is plenty of time to go back and intervene later if need be.

[bnatural]

All of the above. And, when you do go into a hive, always have a purpose and a plan. Move smoothly and steadily. Don't breath on the hive. Keep your shadow off of the frames. Keep an eye out for the queen, especially when you are putting back frames and boxes. Use a puff of smoke to move bees off of the edges of the lower box before you place the upper one back. Leave more honey that you think they need and take less than you want.

Bill

[Hambone]

LOL:D I love bacon....just not as much as him.


Sounds like you are well on your way. You have the first step. A high saturated fat, and sodium diet is key to keeping bees. So Derek’s Beekeeping 101 book says. Order extra equipment. Not just the minimum or what you think you will need. Have extra frames, hive bodies, supers available. You will need them. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. The search feature is very helpful too. Order your equipment now. Order your bees (packages or nucs) as soon as the supplier accepts orders for next spring, which will be in the next couple of months.

And Remember,

Beekeeping is like bacon. It may be a little intimidating to try, but once you do it’s very addicting.