New to beekeeping
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Hi, Afbennett - I'm a newbee, like you. I'll be getting my bees this coming spring. The best thing I did when I first started looking into beekeeping is join my local (for me, nothing is local... so I should say 'closest') Beekeeper's Association. You can find the closest to you by searching for your States Beekeeper's Association. Next, read read read read read. . .there are so many very good books out there on beekeeping. I bet you'll find the highest rated if you will do a search on this forum.
I had a little longer to go before I got to the place where I could reasonably buy my bees as cannot work the Langstroth hives (the lifting) so I had to do some research to find what I could work. I've purchased 4 Slovenian Hives and 2 nucs and hopefully will get two Layens hives in the next year or so. My point is that there is a lot to consider with bees and how you will care for them, so my best two cents worth (with as little as I actually know) is don't be afraid to take your time and educate yourself and find out to the best of your ability what will work best for you and your bees.
Good luck to you!
I had a little longer to go before I got to the place where I could reasonably buy my bees as cannot work the Langstroth hives (the lifting) so I had to do some research to find what I could work. I've purchased 4 Slovenian Hives and 2 nucs and hopefully will get two Layens hives in the next year or so. My point is that there is a lot to consider with bees and how you will care for them, so my best two cents worth (with as little as I actually know) is don't be afraid to take your time and educate yourself and find out to the best of your ability what will work best for you and your bees.
Good luck to you!
Thank you for your quick reply. I will start reading first and certainly look up the closest club. Don’t have any idea the names you are using, so I sure do need to learn more.
thank you. Stay in touch and let me learn from what you are doing!
ann bennett
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18 Posts
It's nice to meet you, Ann. I used to live in Jacksonville when I was a kid (Dad stationed at the Jacksonville Air Station) and I lived in Altamont Springs (outside of Orlando) 14 years ago. I miss Florida.
I will certainly stay in touch.
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4,664 Posts
Welcome to Beesource, Afbennett.
In my humble opinion, this is a great forum with a lot of folks who are glad to share their considerable experience... and I do hope you are able to find a local club to be a part of. If nothing else, I have no doubt there are some beekeepers in your area who might be willing to mentor you.
Best of success in your new adventure!
Russ
In my humble opinion, this is a great forum with a lot of folks who are glad to share their considerable experience... and I do hope you are able to find a local club to be a part of. If nothing else, I have no doubt there are some beekeepers in your area who might be willing to mentor you.
Best of success in your new adventure!
Russ
Welcome. Watch every Michael Palmer video you can find on YouTube, then watch it again.
For my part- in order of importance 1) treat for mites aggressively and never let up 2) great queens 3) nutrition 4) over wintering prep. Start out with nucleus colonies if you can. 2 hives at least, 3 even better.
For my part- in order of importance 1) treat for mites aggressively and never let up 2) great queens 3) nutrition 4) over wintering prep. Start out with nucleus colonies if you can. 2 hives at least, 3 even better.
Joined
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18 Posts
WHOOT! I now have an excuse to get an extra hive! 😁
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Welcome. I have just finished my first season of beekeeping. I was lucky to have a mentor in the family to start but health issues put me on my own to learn. I spent many a day watching YouTube videos, reading books and magazines, etc.
I started off with 2 hives this year and shortly after my mentor got sick one of the hives swarmed. Because it was late in the season I had to combine the small queenless hive with my other hive. Just finished wrapping them up for winter and keeping my fingers crossed that they survive and thrive in the spring.
There is alot to know but I agree with you thought on joining a local club. Plenty of resources there. I just did that here but Covid is slowing access. Local info from experienced people in your local area is priceless. I am in NY so my experiences will be different.
One thing I have learned over the past year is regardless what you think will happen or is suppose to happen.....The bees have a mind of their own.
Good luck and welcome!
Bob
Good luck there
Hi Ann
Welcome. I have just finished my first season of beekeeping. I was lucky to have a mentor in the family to start but health issues put me on my own to learn. I spent many a day watching YouTube videos, reading books and magazines, etc.
I started off with 2 hives this year and shortly after my mentor got sick one of the hives swarmed. Because it was late in the season I had to combine the small queenless hive with my other hive. Just finished wrapping them up for winter and keeping my fingers crossed that they survive and thrive in the spring.
There is alot to know but I agree with you thought on joining a local club. Plenty of resources there. I just did that here but Covid is slowing access. Local info from experienced people in your local area is priceless. I am in NY so my experiences will be different.
One thing I have learned over the past year is regardless what you think will happen or is suppose to happen.....The bees have a mind of their own.
Good luck and welcome!
Bob
Good luck there
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