New beekeeper wondering if it is too late in the season the get set up

Lilhouse study the effect on life expectancy of the different syrup ratios also. I've been foundationless for 12 years, beekeeping for 50, turned my commercial operation over to my grandson, have 4 generations of beekeepers living. I gave up 1:2 a long time ago, I am interested in trying Michael Bush's 5:3 the only ratio I haven't tried. there's a big difference between what you read and the practical application of. One of my goals in beekeeping is to get longevity out of my bees. Experiment with your bees for longevity also. I've kept bees in more than one state snow to deserts I've kept bees there. Use what works learn what doesn't and if capable keep your bees alive. No matter how long you've kept bees there's always something new to learn, that's what I like about beekeeping. If you paid attention Getyourbuzzon is in Portland OR not desert quit moist up that way to much moisture could be an issue for him that's why others are suggesting thicker syrup. If nectar was thicker the bees would have better longevity.

The thread is already hijacked so - I get a wide range of nectar here (as most do I suppose) from water thin, to tulip poplar which is so heavy it is almost honey when it comes in. Wax building goes into High gear when the poplars are in bloom as does swarming, brood and honey production. My conclusion is why bother with thin syrup other than in early early spring when water foraging might be an issue? I would rather do half as much work by feeding heavy syrup whenever possible. Plus during summer/fall it is much less prone to ferment.

I might change my mind if I see other evidence, but it seems like false economy to feed thin syrup - more work for me and the bees.

To the OP - if you can overwinter a nuc in your area (you can in mine) then starting now has the wonderful advantage of letting you have bees in early spring when so many folks are wishing they had bees. Here I would not count on building very much additional comb before winter - so you need enough now to winter on.

Good luck.

I half thought to post another thread...but we'll all here anyway!

So - on the advantage of starting now - I agree, experience experience experience. The joy of it, the learning curve, etc.
Some have mentioned the type of nuc and I agree with that too. Did the breeder you know just throw a new queen in with bees and brood from another colony? Or has she been in there laying in the frames for sometime so the bees are mostly hers? Of course, a nuc is a sort of forced reverse swarm...the bees wouldn't do it this way. The mother and half the bees would leave and let the daughter hatch out and continue on. We do the opposite - we take a daughter and some bees out and try to make that establish. And it works. I like it more than a package (but hey! It's my first year!!) So, moral of all this? If you can get your hands on some nucs where the queen has been mated and in there for a bit - a few weeks to a month at least - then you know the bees know her and they're raising brood together. Plus, at the point, her first eggs would be near hatching pupae and you'll get a much needed boost in population.

SUGAR WATER!! I am so not above learning from the pros. Thinner syrup isn't what some chalk it up to be, huh? I was really curious so I opened my hives. They have 2-3 frames each of drawn comb full of the syrup. But they have NOT build up more comb for my queens to lay in. Queens are laying in the combs on the brood nest frames, though. That tells me that thicker syrup might just be the way to go. On the other hand, no robbing going on right now and they've dried the syrup enough that is does not run if you hold the frame sideways even for a long period of time. So, they're drying it out and getting the evaporative cooling benefits I was hoping for.

I'll try some 5:3, see what I see. I'll be looking for them building combs for brood AND actually capping the sugar syrup - the tinner stuff has not been capped yet which obviously means it's taking a while to cure. If they're capping the thicker syrup faster -- well, you get the idea.

And add another nearby water source for them. They use the drip line drippers to the orchard they are in, the dog and horse water buckets, etc. But I'll place one nearby to see if they take the water in themselves when given thicker syrup.

Good morning, Getyourbuzzzon!

My husband and i are new to beekeeping, situated just North of you on the other side of the river. Although the days are certainly getting shorter, i'm inclined to encourage you to begin your adventures with beekeeping this very year! If nothing else, your observations of your bees this year will help you understand the way a colony behaves, the anatomy of the hive, how to feel comfortable handling the combs, etc. Whatever happens over the winter, you'll be better positioned next Spring to either expand, or begin anew with a little more knowledge under your belt.

No amount of reading is a substitute for hands-on experience (and in some cases, what you've read may actually lead you astray because there are so many variables in beekeeping). My husband and i will likely spend the whole of our lives as eternal students to the teachings of the honeybee. But we're thrilled we got started this year. In my opinion, it's not too late for you to take your first steps either.