Greetings from Detroit

[mike]

Hello, my name is Mike. I'm new to the forum (and beekeeping in general). I live in a residential area of Metro Detroit and I'm preparing for my first season with bees this spring. I've ordered two packages of Carniolan honey bees and now I'm in the process of selecting the equipment and type of hives to purchase for the colonies. I've been going back and forth between Warre and Langstroth, currently leaning toward Langstroth. As a soon-to-be beekeeper I aspire to keep my interactions with the bees as natural and non-invasive as possible. If anyone has any hive recommendations or tips for the first season that they'd like to offer I'd love to hear them!

[iddee]

First 2 or 3 years, langstroth 10 frame. After that, diversify as you want. You can get help easier with them, and dispose of them easier if you decide they are not what you want

[mike]

First 2 or 3 years, langstroth 10 frame. After that, diversify as you want. You can get help easier with them, and dispose of them easier if you decide they are not what you want

Thanks the input, I've read this elsewhere too...

[Costa]

Welcome mike!

I'm a newbie too.. An exciting adventure awaits. Best of luck with the gear prep

[mikecva]

I use 10 frame mediums for the brood and super boxes. I like that size because of the weight of the full size boxes and my bad back. I also suggest changing your profile to include your city and state so we can better help you when you ask questions.  -Mike

[cao]

I would start with a langstroth hive.  Since you are starting with packages, it doesn't matter what size(deep or medium) or # of frames(8 or 10).  If there is a bee club near you or someone to mentor you, I would seek there advice.  That being said, many of use have used this and other forums as their mentor.  I think that the trend has been to use all medium boxes.  This makes it easier to swap frames around.  Also, a lot of beeks are using 8 frame boxes.  This reduces the weight of the boxes.  I can see definite advantages in doing it that way.  With that being said, I use deeps, mediums and shallows without much problems.  The biggest problem I have is having enough equipment of any size(17 hives).  I would like to double that this year.  I use 10 frame boxes and 5 frame nucs.  This winter I'm building some 8 frame equipment to try next spring.  Whatever you choose have plenty of it.  

[mike]

Thanks for the info everyone!

[BeeMaster2]

Welcome to Beemaster.
I recommend 8 frame mediums for brood and supers.
Jim

[Michael Bush]

If you go with eight frame mediums and foundationless frames you can get the best of both worlds...  A smaller box that fits the cluster, easier to lift, natural comb, a standard equipment that has been around for 150 years...

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

[mike]

If you go with eight frame mediums and foundationless frames you can get the best of both worlds...  A smaller box that fits the cluster, easier to lift, natural comb, a standard equipment that has been around for 150 years...

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

Michael, I just requested your book through my local library. Seems like a great resource based on the Amazon reviews. Thanks for your comment!

[KeyLargoBees]

Welcome Mike!

[Idaho Beek]

Welcome Mike. I second the thoughts of the Langstroth. More common and easy to get things for. I have a son that lives in Sterling Heights. He is in his residency at a Detroit Hospital. He is going into surgery. He has expressed interest in getting some beehives. Not sure if he wants them there or when he comes back to Idaho in 4.5 years. Good luck with your bees.

[GSF]

Welcome