Just Starting Out

3100 Views 32 Replies 15 Participants Last post by Tigger19687, Jan 19, 2021

PGB

Discussion Starter · Dec 24, 2020

I am retiring from the corporate world and I am starting beekeeping. The honey we collect will be given to the local food bank and nursing homes in my community in Clark County Washington. My Nuc Will arrive early April and I have everything set for it. Before I purchase a second hive, I was wondering what your thoughts are on the flow hives.
Pgb

1 - 20 of 33 Posts

ifixoldhouses

· #2 · Dec 24, 2020

Most people say wait till you learn how to work the bees in Langstroth first, I doubt I'll ever buy one myself.

Tigger19687

· #3 · Dec 24, 2020

Here is a list of Threads already on here

www.beesource.com

Search results for query: Flow Hive

www.beesource.com

www.beesource.com

Reactions: 1

PGB

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 24, 2020

Tigger19687 said:
Here is a list of Threads already on here

Search results for query: Flow Hive

www.beesource.com

Wow, thanks for the link.
I am looking forward to working with my Langstroth!

Fivej

· #5 · Dec 24, 2020

Quick learner. Welcome to beekeeping and the forum. J

GaryG74

· #6 · Dec 24, 2020

Welcome to Bee Source.

LAlldredge

· #7 · Dec 24, 2020

Welcome. Great to start with a nuc. Consider starting with 2. Notice you’re in Battle Ground, I’m in Sisters, 6a. Great hobby. Easy to be distracted and be off in the weeds. Do a few things well and you will keep your colonies alive. 1) mites mites mites 2) nutrition 3) good queens 4) housing config/ overwintering.

Reactions: 1

JWPalmer

· #8 · Dec 24, 2020

Welcome to Beesource PGB.

PGB said:
I am looking forward to working with my Langstroth!

Fivej said:
Quick learner. Welcome to beekeeping and the forum. J

I see that you are already taking advantage of the vast amount of knowledge available.

Michael Bush

· #9 · Dec 25, 2020

A flow hive super is similar in may ways to any super. The bees will only fill it when they need the space and there is a good flow. You may not get any honey your first year. I wouldn't add the flow super unless/until they need that space. In other words, make sure they have enough to get through the winter before you start adding supers at all, of any kind. The flow hives are expensive, but if you were going to buy extractors etc. and you are only going to have a couple of hives, it may not be that different in cost.

Reactions: 1

PGB

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 25, 2020

LAlldredge said:
Welcome. Great to start with a nuc. Consider starting with 2. Notice you’re in Battle Ground, I’m in Sisters, 6a. Great hobby. Easy to be distracted and be off in the weeds. Do a few things well and you will keep your colonies alive. 1) mites mites mites 2) nutrition 3) good queens 4) housing config/ overwintering.

Working with Glen at Bridgetown Bees in PDX. He has been very helpful. Turning the back yard into wildflowers and crimson clover field.
Why start with 2 hives?
pgb

PGB

Discussion Starter · #11 · Dec 25, 2020

Michael Bush said:
A flow hive super is similar in may ways to any super. The bees will only fill it when they need the space and there is a good flow. You may not get any honey your first year. I wouldn't add the flow super unless/until they need that space. In other words, make sure they have enough to get through the winter before you start adding supers at all, of any kind. The flow hives are expensive, but if you were going to buy extractors etc. and you are only going to have a couple of hives, it may not be that different in cost.

Thanks.... I will be buying an electric extractor, I have just started researching them. I shouldn’t need that for another year or so.

grozzie2

· #12 · Dec 25, 2020

PGB said:
Why start with 2 hives?

There are very few problems you will run into with a colony of bees that cant be solved by moving some resources from another colony.

There are very few problems you will run into with a single colony that can be solved without buying some resources from elsewhere.

This is why.

PGB

Discussion Starter · #13 · Dec 25, 2020

I just ordered my second hive and Nuc!

I’ve been reading in a lot of different places where they suggest two.I’m sold on the idea

Reactions: 1

JWPalmer

· #14 · Dec 25, 2020

I am impressed. You have asked two important questions, gotten good advice to both of them, and have decided to follow through with that advice. I wish more new beekeepers would follow your example.

Reactions: 1

pjigar

· #15 · Dec 26, 2020

PGB said:
I just ordered my second hive and Nuc!

I’ve been reading in a lot of different places where they suggest two.I’m sold on the idea

You will be glad you have two colonies. When my first year hive went queenless in early March, the second donor hive came to rescue and I was able to save the queenless hive. Also I was able to learn a lot more by comparing the hive behavior from two colonies. You can easily spot if one of them is struggling big time when you have another reference point.

PGB

Discussion Starter · #16 · Dec 27, 2020

pjigar said:
You will be glad you have two colonies. When my first year hive went queenless in early March, the second donor hive came to rescue and I was able to save the queenless hive. Also I was able to learn a lot more by comparing the hive behavior from two colonies. You can easily spot if one of them is struggling big time when you have another reference point.

Thanks.you all have been very helpful.
pgb

PGB

Discussion Starter · #17 · Dec 30, 2020

I was looking on the equipment page, didn’t see anything on where to purchase equipment.
are there recommendations on any companies? ...Or is Amazon the best bet?

JWPalmer

· #18 · Dec 30, 2020

As far as hives, stick with a major company like Mann Lake, Dadant, Betterbee, etc. Amazon is hit or miss and sometimes even more expensive. It can be a good source for hive tools, queen rearing accessories, and the like.

Reactions: 1

elmer_fud

· #19 · Dec 30, 2020

PGB said:
I was looking on the equipment page, didn’t see anything on where to purchase equipment.
are there recommendations on any companies? ...Or is Amazon the best bet?

Amazon seems to be better for hive tools and some smaller items, but they tend to be more expensive for frames and boxes.

A few other companies to add to JWpalmer's list: Pierco, Kelly (now part of mann lake), acorn,

15Beekeeper

· #20 · Dec 31, 2020

PGB said:
I was looking on the equipment page, didn’t see anything on where to purchase equipment.
are there recommendations on any companies? ...Or is Amazon the best bet?

Check out Beeline Woodenware located in Oakville WA just north of you. They manufacture Woodenware and have a nice operation. Order and pick it up at the shop to save freight. Harold is good to work with for equipment.

Beeline Apiaries & Woodenware - Quality Beekeeping Supplies for All 50 States

Your source for quality beekeeping equipment, protective clothing and much more! Manufacturing and serving from MI, CO, and WA. Order online today!

www.beelinewoodenware.com

Reactions: 1

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