[ThePopeVII]

Hello, I have yet to officially start any beekeeping endeavor, but it has been on the wish list for some time. After 2 swarms this season and one at least every other year prior, I've taken it as a sign from the universe that it is time to really start gearing up.
But I have questions that most websites just don't answer
The biggest one being that we already have an existing hive here in a tree, that despite the efforts of our local beekeepers they are not moving, and it is pretty darn well established (being I'm pretty sure the first time they tried to relocate it was when my mother was a teen) AKA when my family moved in in the late 60's early 70's.
So my plan is to hopefully capture some from them (If I end up with a "feral" swarm that is fine too, but they put out a swarm at least every other year) Feral in quotes because technically the whole hive is already feral LOL.
My issue is spacing? We have a 5 acre property and I don't want my hives to compete with the existing one. My Uncles keep saying that they need to have a certain amount of space between them? (seems iffy to me when I see big scale/commercial set ups)

Anyway back to intro, I'm totally new to this, still in the research stage but going into the active research stage (YAY)
Stay at Home Mom of 5 kids, 2 dogs and 4 cats, on a 5 acre area (the property is shared with family) out in pretty much farmland area
I have some time to do research since I'm pretty sure that if I DO get all ready, then Murphy's law will dictate that they won't swarm that year right? kidding of course, but it is time to really get on this!

 

[Rader Sidetrack]

Welcome to Beesource!


> My issue is spacing?

How many hives a given spot can support depends on local forage availability, of course. But many beekeepers find that a given location can support a dozen hives, perhaps more.

Given your feral bee colony, you might want to look into placing one or more swarm traps on your property, and further away, if you can get the neighbors' consent. No guarantees, but next spring you might just get some bees to populate a new hive. :thumbsup:

 

[mlmihlfried]

Hey I am in athol ID and just took the beginning beekeeping course this spring put on by the inland empire beekeepers association they have it at the extension building in Spokane. Cost is only 50 bucks. One day of class room and 4 field days during the summer. You should check it out next spring well worth it.

 

[ThePopeVII]

Yes, I was looking into some of the courses offered, I know the West Plains Beekeepers Association is having a class in November, and that one meets in one of the super local to me towns I will be looking to see what all is available, as I have until next year at least before I'll have anything going, like I said the 2 swarms this year was a kick in the pants, BUT I stand firm on my willingness to wait for a swarm of "our bees" So, if we do not get a swarm next year then more research and readiness time
I might even do more than one class if I can manage it, I know one of the local areas had a class at one of the local farmers market.

 

[AmericasBeekeeper]

Welcome VII!