Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

MEMBER BULLETIN BOARD => GREETINGS/TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF => Topic started by: kd8kty on March 31, 2013, 06:11:49 pm

Title: OHIO neewbs!
Post by: kd8kty on March 31, 2013, 06:11:49 pm
hey guys! my name is Levi. my girlfriends dad is thinking about keep bees. I have been interested for several years in beekeeping but havent had space to do it, but would like to get involved with him in keeping bees. the local associations classes are full, so here we are. i guess we will be self taught. basically... being that we are totally green to this... outside of buying a bee kit online and reading some library books... we would love any suggestions you guys would provide! thanks! were looking forward to learning and having fun with this hobby!
Title: Re: OHIO neewbs!
Post by: rbinhood on March 31, 2013, 07:19:08 pm
Welcome to the forum you will find tons of information here and people who will be more than willing to help along your beekeeping journey.
Title: Re: OHIO neewbs!
Post by: tefer2 on March 31, 2013, 08:42:53 pm
Welcome to the bee forum Levi.
Title: Re: OHIO neewbs!
Post by: Joe D on March 31, 2013, 09:32:03 pm
Welcome to the forum, Levi.  Beek is addictive once you get the bug.




Joe
Title: Re: OHIO neewbs!
Post by: kd8kty on March 31, 2013, 10:15:09 pm
Firstly, thanks for the warm welcomes! We are excited to jump into this and see what happens. First couple questions I have are... how many hives do we start with? is one okay or is it better to start with two? as well, there is a local supplier not far from where todd (my girlfriends dad lives) and he sells "kits"... what do you guys think of these kits and prices?

hive and honey dot om
Title: Re: OHIO neewbs!
Post by: Moots on March 31, 2013, 11:21:10 pm
kd8kty,
Welcome to the forum, as a newbie I think you will find it to be an invaluable resource, at least, I know I have!

As for the equipment, you just need to give it a look, if the quality looks good, it's just a matter of running the numbers and doing some price comparisons.  Anything local that allows you to avoid shipping charges should be a huge advantage.  Your other big decision will be on "what" equipment.  I decided to keep it standard and went with all 8 frame mediums.  The all mediums route is becoming somewhat more common....However, like everything in beekeeping, you will find that opinions vary greatly.

As for number of hives, I strongly suggest at least two.  This allows you a number of advantages.  As a newbie, it gives you something to compare and contrast.  It also gives you the potential to rob Peter to pay Paul if necessary. For example, if one hive goes queenless, you can borrow a frame with 1-3 day old eggs from your other hive to give them the opportunity to make a new queen.  Lastly, should you lose a hive, you're not out of the game.

Best of luck to you and your bees.  From one newbie to another, one word of warning,  this Beek thing is absolutely addictive!  ENJOY!  :)
Title: Re: OHIO neewbs!
Post by: BeeMaster2 on March 31, 2013, 11:36:58 pm
Welcome kd8. Besides reading everything you can on this site, there are lots of great videos to watch.
Jim
Title: Re: OHIO neewbs!
Post by: Georgia Boy on April 02, 2013, 11:03:20 pm
Welcome kd8,

Get ready to have some fun.

David
Title: Re: OHIO neewbs!
Post by: bwdenen on April 04, 2013, 11:17:54 pm
Hi fellow Buckeye.  Where in Ohio are you?  I might be able to point you to a local club to help you out. I received a lot of help from the folks I met in the club in my area.  I agree with Moots to start with two.  Kits are OK depending whats included.  If you're like me, I purchased things I thought I had to have, but don't use much.
Title: Re: OHIO neewbs!
Post by: Nimrod on April 04, 2013, 11:49:17 pm
I suggest you get a copy of The Backyard Beekeeper and read it.  I have learned a lot from this one book.  It covers most questions and will give you enough info to ask reasonable questions.  I got my copy from Tractor Supply.  It cost $24.  I am going with medium eight frame hives.  Our club recommends starting with at least 2 hives.