Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

MEMBER BULLETIN BOARD => GREETINGS/TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF => Topic started by: swami.g on September 18, 2006, 09:19:08 pm

Title: beginner in california
Post by: swami.g on September 18, 2006, 09:19:08 pm

greetings & namaste - my name is greg and i live in manhattan beach ca.
i own a house in Mckinleyville, Humboldt Co; CA. that my son lives in while going to school. I am very interested in starting the journey to beekeeping and honey production. does any one have any suggestions for kit's, etc?
when is the best time to start? how long does it take? thanks for the forum!

greg

Title: beginner in california
Post by: buzzbee on September 18, 2006, 09:32:51 pm

Early spring is the best time to start. I am a newbie this year so I am not of the expertise you will find from many here.But browse and do a search for specific info . If you see Michael Bush's post be sure to click the link to his web site for a lot of good information.
www.beekeepersvoice.com has a good guide on the equipment needed for startup which is considerably different than what most supply houses want you to buy. Good luck and welcome to the forum!

Title: beginner in california
Post by: buzzbee on September 18, 2006, 09:37:35 pm

Brian d bray is also more than happy to answer most posts with a great insight to most problems.

Title: beginner in california
Post by: Michael Bush on September 19, 2006, 07:54:13 am

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnewbees.htm

Title: beginner in california
Post by: Brian D. Bray on September 19, 2006, 11:27:27 pm

I do not recommend kits.  They give you equipment that is not needed and the price doesn't save you that much.  It is best to ask yourself what you want to accomplish you first year.  Obtain a good such as Beekeeping for Dummies as a reference.

Things to consider:
1. Starting with 2 or 3 hives is better because it you make a fatal mistake on one hive you're still in the game.  A single hive is not forgiving.
2. I recommend uniformity of equipment.  Having everything the same size solves a lot of problems.  Check out www.beekeepersvoice.com/articles/bray/  and then click on the article on uniformity.
3.  Buying multiples of equipment will save you more each purchase than you can get buying kits.  If the dealer offers a discount if you buy six medium supers over buying five the sixth is essentially free.  
4.  buy more than what you think you're going to need.  An extra heavy honey flow or athe opportunity to catch a swarm are serendipity that happens--it's best to be prepared for it.
5.  Find a Mentor,  www.beekeepersvoice.com/mentor may have a listing for one near you.
6.  Keep an open mind, think about the advice you're given, and don't be afraid to delve into new ideas.

That should get you started.