Maximum number of hives?

[Anonymous]

A couple at a local flea market told me that they are interested in beekeeping and have the opportunity to buy a number of hives from a retireing beekeeper. The question is; What is the maximum number of hives that a beginner should attempt to manage in their first year?

[Sting]

It really depends on how much time they have on their hands, and how quickly they learn. As a hobby, I think three hives would be a good number in the first year for motivated first-timers.  It is said that at 13 hives, one goes from being a hobbyist to being a pro.

[Robo]

I agree with Sting, 3 is probably a good start.  I would say no less than 2 or more than 5.


Beginners make mistakes.  Depending on how big the mistake, if they have a lot of hives, it could be very costly.

[Finman]

It is said that at 13 hives, one goes from being a hobbyist to being a pro.

After 40 years beekeeping my style is 13 hives. That is number I can use one day per week to take care. I only nurse them during weekends and holidays.

If I have more than 13 hives, family will suffer for my hobby. Now bees determine their life too much. I have been in same woman 29 years. She may stand me still, I hope. I

Yesterday I bought a bee suit for my son for birthday present, and if I get help from him? He will be 17 age. Next year he will have a car driving licence.  He dives car very wel. We have  a lot forest ways where we have practisiced driving during 3 years. :D  All my 3 sons have done the same.

My youngest son is very talent and eager with handling nature.

For first year beginner 3 hives is good. Not more than 5.  But if he gets help from expert, he will manage with 10 hives. But not any more.

I have helped a nurser, who has many years experience. He has 6 hives, but it seems that it doest not go well. He has something that he will never learn. And so are the most I hev met.

[contactme_11]

I would say for a beginner, no less than than 2. But no more than 4.

[Two Bees]

1st Year Minimum - 2 hives

1st Year Maximum - 3 hives

Just for Fun - 1 nuc box to catch the unexpected.

[lenape13]

I started last year with four, 3 packages and one feral cut-out.  It was a good number.  Didn't keep me too busy, but gave me enough experience that I now am heading toward 12 this year.  (Maybe more, if I manage to catch a couple of swarms and do more removals.) :bee: :bee:

[KD4MOJ]

WOW! What a resurrection! Nothing like a good old post!

I agree with Sting, 3 is probably a good start.  I would say no less than 2 or more than 5. Beginners make mistakes.  Depending on how big the mistake, if they have a lot of hives, it could be very costly.

  I agree with Robo!

...DOUG
KD4MOJ

[wd]

I agree with Sting, 3 is probably a good start.  I would say no less than 2 or more than 5.

Beginners make mistakes.  Depending on how big the mistake, if they have a lot of hives, it could be very costly.