hello new beekeeper looking for info

[wtiger]

Hello My father and I are going to get our first 2 hives this spring.  It seems like it would be fun and interesting to us and it will give us something that we can do together; Since I live close to him.  I have been reading the forum and beekeeping websites trying to get a handle on what is necessary.  I'm thinking we're going to go with an all medium wood hive and wood frames with plastic base along with all the other equipment that a beginner needs.  All of this has been fairly easy to find online.  The thing I've having trouble finding are apiaries that ship bee packages through the mail.  Could someone help me out and give me some places to call or websites to visit?  The closest one I could find that I could pick up bees from is in Kansas city; which is clear on the other side of Missouri from where I'm located.  If the local beekeepers association can't hook me up with bees I'll have to order them.

many thanks,
           The Aspiring Beek

[Kathyp]

hi, it will be easier to help you when you have questions if we know where you live.  different areas have different issues. 

also, do a search here and elsewhere on plastic foundation.  some use it with success.  some have great problems.  as a beginner, wax foundation might work better, and it doesn't cost much if you order it in bulk.

as for bees....again, if we know where you are, answering that question will be easier.  i get mine through my local bee supply store.  they take orders and get a huge shipment.  some people order packages independently and i'm sure you can get good info for your area from someone here.

[Scadsobees]

A way to find the ones that ship and up to date contacts is through the American Bee Journal or Bee Culture.  Lots of ads for queen and package shippers there.

http://www.dadant.com/journal/index.html

www.beeculture.com

-r

[hilltop hives]

I ordered 3 packages of Russians from Jester Bee in West Ridge, AR.

[nepenthes]

Sounds like you are in Missouri right?

[Kathyp]

nepenthes, good catch.  i should have read a little more carefully......however, the next questions asked might not include locations so adding location to info would help in the future :-)

[Jerrymac]

I have noticed a lot of people from Hopelessly Lost these days.

[Michael Bush]

Look for a local club.  They usually know of shipments being brought in or they arrange them.

[wtiger]

I'm located about 40 miles S SW of st. louis missouri.

[Michael Bush]

Check with the local Agricultural Extension Agent and ask about beekeeping clubs.
 

[wtiger]

I actually have a meeting in two days.  I guess I'll just wait til then and see.

[wtiger]

Also I think next year I'll probably start building my own equipment.  Using the equipment To draft some schematics to work off of.    I'm not a carpenter by trade, but I do have a modest sized woodturning shop with all kinds of industrial woodworking equipment.  14" Powermatic table saw, chop saw,  a 26" carbide insert planer, 110" carbide insert jointer, routers, band saw, a CNC mill, hydraulic and CNC lathes, etc.  Or is it cheaper/easier just buying mass produced woodware from somewhere?

[Michael Bush]

>Or is it cheaper/easier just buying mass produced woodware from somewhere?

If you have free scrap lumber it's much cheaper to build your own (free).  If not, it's usually cheaper to buy it already made.