Joined
·
4 Posts
Hi everyone. I've been reading on the forum for a while now, but decided to register so that I could post questions and learn as I get started on my beekeeping journey.
This will actually be year number 2 for me. My dad and I started a hive last year, but alas, when we did our winter inspection we found dead bees. We had originally got a nuc from a Tim Mcfarline (Mcfarline Apiaries in Benson, Vermont) because he is treatment free, but we got a summer nuc and feel as though it was a little too late in the season. We wish we had gotten two nucs so that we would have had something to compare to, but you live and you learn.
So for this year, we put a deposit on 2 nucs from a Fred Merriam and will be picking them up in early May. We actually just finished assembling some frames this morning. We have two (8 frame) Langstroth hives ready to go. We also purchased a Warre top bar hive as well, but that is something we want to pursue after we get more experience and are able to successfully "over-winter" our bees. We are trying to do everything treatment free, and are hesitant to use the "treated" wax when assembling our foundation.
Last year we attended Betterbee's annual field day at the Washington County New York fair grounds and had the privilege of listening to Michael Palmer's lecture and found out right away how much of an expert he really is. So much so, that I actually try to view and read his posts on this forum haha.
Anyways, I'm excited to have joined the forum, and can't wait for May to get here. This winter has been too long -- I do realize I'm in Vermont, but this winter has dragged on a little too long for my liking. Heck, people are still collecting sap around my area!
This will actually be year number 2 for me. My dad and I started a hive last year, but alas, when we did our winter inspection we found dead bees. We had originally got a nuc from a Tim Mcfarline (Mcfarline Apiaries in Benson, Vermont) because he is treatment free, but we got a summer nuc and feel as though it was a little too late in the season. We wish we had gotten two nucs so that we would have had something to compare to, but you live and you learn.
So for this year, we put a deposit on 2 nucs from a Fred Merriam and will be picking them up in early May. We actually just finished assembling some frames this morning. We have two (8 frame) Langstroth hives ready to go. We also purchased a Warre top bar hive as well, but that is something we want to pursue after we get more experience and are able to successfully "over-winter" our bees. We are trying to do everything treatment free, and are hesitant to use the "treated" wax when assembling our foundation.
Last year we attended Betterbee's annual field day at the Washington County New York fair grounds and had the privilege of listening to Michael Palmer's lecture and found out right away how much of an expert he really is. So much so, that I actually try to view and read his posts on this forum haha.
Anyways, I'm excited to have joined the forum, and can't wait for May to get here. This winter has been too long -- I do realize I'm in Vermont, but this winter has dragged on a little too long for my liking. Heck, people are still collecting sap around my area!
