First post ever - Just got my lovely bees

[rand]

Hi all

I'm fresh new beekeeper from south Israel, that got his two Nucleus hives yesterday to start an hobby and god knows what the future will
surprise me (mabey a bussiness) instead of working in the
computing world.

Our climate is semi desert with avarage of 100 mm rain per year
and many sunny days. Now is the beggining of winter time
with few (3-5) rainy days per month.
I have anough nectar even in the desert, because my hives are in
an organic farm that grows seeds.

Im really need tips or articles referents about the first steps and inspection
i need, for the next two or three weeks.

Many Thanks,
Ran
dran@bgu.ac.il

[RayMarler]

Hi Rand,
It being the start of winter, I'd keep them as nucs and do a mountain camp method of dry sugar. Here is a link with pictures of the method...
http://www.indianahoney.com/ihf/drysugar/drysugar.html

I'd set them up that way and then leave them alone until about a month after winter solstice. Then check through on a clear still day when temps are 15.5C (60F) or better in the afternoon.

Even in the desert, I bet the queens won't be laying much until after the winter solstice. What kind of temps do you get there for the next 60 days?

[ccar2000]

Something I have learned: make sure you get advice from other beekeepers in your area or climate. They will have the best advice. There is a big difference here between the east coast and west coast beekeepers seasonal timing.

Fortunately, I have run across some really good beeks with some really good advice on this forum.

[RayMarler]

Something I have learned: make sure you get advice from other beekeepers in your area or climate. They will have the best advice.

Yes, if there are any other beeks in your area, they could give you best advice for your area, even though you might be in a little bit of a special area there than most others.

[rand]

Thank you very much for all the information

For the next 60 days we have temps of max 22-24 degrees Celsius in day time
and minimum of 2-3 degrees Celsius in night time. The average night are 8-10 degrees. There are few winters when the temperature go below zero, for two or three nights only per winter.

I found beekeeper to consult with, and his experience is a real help for beginner like me.

Thank you all for your help

Ran

[Omie]

Rand,
I'm sure we would all love to see some photos of your lovely bees any time you wanted to post them here or in the photo thread. Good luck! :)