Oh, I'm a newbee, and I have my first round of questions.
1. There is a lot of bee supply sources out there that can set one up with hives. And a lot of DIY plans for hives...
So do I have to buy any materials? Say we get a property with an old collapsed barn on it.. Can I reuse that wood so long as the wood is sound and pest free? I'm able to put in labor hours, but at start up, I will have little fiscal resources if I have to buy all the hive materials as new wood. I will be scouring the classifieds too as start up draws near.
2. I do re-enactment dress up, so I am used to things like hats with veils. Can I use the same sort of fine mesh found at the local fabric store for beekeeping? Or is beekeeping veil sturdier stuff, and I need to look for that fabric when making my headgear? I know I will end up making my own headgear.
3. I am used to wearing gloves, from light cotton to heavier leather. Oyster gloves too :) I will probably wear bee gloves, at least as I start. My hand size is an extra small, so usually I can only find kids sizes of gloves that end up being way too short on the wrist. Can anyone recommend a good glove to use?
4. What is the difference between foundation and no foundation? I'm reading stuff and looking at pics, but I'm confused. Is foundation when you provide a sheet of wax as sort of the back cap for the bees to build off of, and no foundation when you don't? Is foundation when you provide anything for the bees to build off of?
Sorry if I'm too newbee.. Back to reading, lol :) Thanks for any advice!
- :bee: -