Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum
MEMBER BULLETIN BOARD => GREETINGS/TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF => Topic started by: Bheckel169 on November 02, 2010, 04:52:50 pm
-
Just wanted to say hello. I'm in western North Carolina and I moved here 3 years ago from the frozen climes of northern Utah. I discovered "real' honey while enjoying farmer's markets and couldn't believe the difference. Having followed up with some research I developed a real interest in beekeeping not only as a hobby but because I felt I could contribute in a small way to replenishing the bee population and improving the pollination process here.
I'm still learning and have ordered some dvd's, purchased e-books and plan on taking an agricultural extension class soon and hopefully will be prepped enought to start this Spring.
I welcome any suggestions to help me jumpstart my hobby.
Bruce
-
Hello and Welcome!
I'm sure you'll find this forum to be a good place to learn more about bees and beekeeping. Be sure to check out the tutorials on the main Beemaster page ("Backyard Beekeeping Course"). The 'search' function is useful feature: think of a topic or question, do a search and start reading. Instant answers.
I also encourage you to join a local bee club. Clubs are great for finding mentors and getting connected to nearby beekeepers. Much of beekeeping is location-specific, so the local beeks can help you with what practices work best in your area. Along those lines, please post your location in your profile... it'll help us answer any questions you have if we know where you are.
List of North Carolina bee clubs:
http://www.ncbeekeepers.org/chapters.htm (http://www.ncbeekeepers.org/chapters.htm)
Lastly, here are a couple of links I often recommend for those just starting out:
http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm (http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm) - beekeeping naturally
http://www.basicbeekeeping.blogspot.com/ (http://www.basicbeekeeping.blogspot.com/) - over 80 online beekeeping lessons
-
Ditto on finding a local club and the above sites. Below are a couple more of my favorites.
http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/ (http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/)
http://beekeeperlinda.blogspot.com/ (http://beekeeperlinda.blogspot.com/)
-
Bruce, welcome to our forum, great you found us. As you delve deeper and deeper into the studying of the honeybee, you will realize that you will be held deeply under their spell, they have that way about them. And as you begin to keep bees, nothing will stand in your way. Take this winter to study and learn, lean on our forum for advice, learning. We were all once upon a time a new beekeeper, and asking questions is one good way to learn, never be afraid to ask questions, all questions are important, and all will get answers. Stick around, we love new members, we love to listen. Have that most wonderful day, of love, health and peace, Cindi
-
Nucs or packages to start out? Advantages and disadvantages to each?
I'm a sponge.
Bruce
-
Nucs are quicker and easier. Packages are cheaper (and they come to you in the mail). Do you have any equipment yet?
-
No equipment yet, but working on it. I will have that set up before I pickup the nucs or packages. Some concern about nucs from what I read is that because there are fewer numbers of bees to start with, robbers may tend to damage the nuc before it gets up to full strength.
Bruce
-
Packages start with less bees than a nuc. A nuc will not get robbed unless there is a real strong hive close to it. And you can reduce the entrance down to keep robbing down when close to a strong hive. On buying equipment, Look to Brushy Mountain in December. It might just save you some shipping costs.
-
Allen,
Everything I read says you'll only get a few thousand bees with a nuc and about 10,000 with a package. Am I wrong here?
Bruce
-
Nuc will have drawn comb with brood in all stages (new bees to set you weeks ahead). A package on all new wquipment will have to draw out the wax first, then start on raising young.
-
Allen,
I understand that the nuc will have drawn comb, some honey and pollen but only a few thousand bees compared to a package of 10,000 or so. My concern was the actual number of bees in a nuc and whether their numbers would be able to defend themselves.
Bruce
-
Allen,
I understand that the nuc will have drawn comb, some honey and pollen but only a few thousand bees compared to a package of 10,000 or so. My concern was the actual number of bees in a nuc and whether their numbers would be able to defend themselves.
Bruce
How big is the nuc 1,2,3,4,5 frame ? deeps or medium ?
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
-
Everyone I've talked to so far is saying they will provide a deep with 5 frames. One with brood, one or two with honey and pollen and the others empty. Only a couple of thousand bees. I haven't anyone offer anything different so far.
Bruce
-
Give this guy a call. He's not all that far from you.
Larry Tate
Winston-Salem, NC
Call 336-788-4554 or 336-972-3583
TatesApiaries@yahoo.com
These folks are also within driving distance.
Wright, John & Richard
138 Maggie Dr
Mount Gilead, NC 27306
Home 910-439-1879
Cell 910-975-3355
Nucs and Packages
-
Thank you, Iddee,
You and I are going to get along just fine I can tell. I love it when a plan comes together. I'll call him tomorrow. I am one of those that likes to move along pretty fast on a track to get answers. I very much appreciate your help and your prompt and educational responses.
Bruce
-
All the one I see sold in New England have 5 frame deeps 1 frame cap brood 1 frame open brood 2 with honey and pollen and the1 empty and about 2 to 2 1/2 lbs.of bees @ about $110.00 - $130.00
http://mvabeepunchers.com/info/why_nucs.php (http://mvabeepunchers.com/info/why_nucs.php)
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)