Which Hive to Use??

[wraines]

I am brand new to Beekeeping, actually looking into starting a hive or 2 next spring. As I have searched different sites and  read information about this as a hobby it appears that there are diffeent opinions on which hive to use as a beginner.

Could you please provide insight into using a traditional hive or a "BackYard"  hive.

Thx,
Chuck   

[rdy-b]

sift through this there is some good stuf- 8-) 
http://www.beesource.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=275      RDY-B

[johnnybigfish]

hey Wraines, Welcome to the forums!
 After reading rdy-b's  link I was surprised how much it cost to start!
 When I started (last spring) I learned that I could make my own tops and bottoms...I just copied the first one of each that i ordered. I usually get stuff from Dadants but sometimes I find cheaper freight all the way from california.
 It was much easier for me to get started because I wouldnt look at the statements when they came in the mail...I would just pay a bigger payment on the monthly credit card bill...So far, this works for me...The biggest cost is the initial purchase.
 After you catch a swarm or 2( which you eventually will). You will feel a lot more justified for spending the start up cost....But, you know how it is...Any hobby can get expensive! :)
 Well, good luck! you still have plenty of time to make decisions before spring!..Lots of time to read about bees too!
your friend,
john

[bmacior]

A traditional (10 frame) deep full of honey weighs 80 lbs, a 10 frame medium weighs 60 lbs. A backyard (8 frame) medium weighs 48 lbs.   The weight begs the following questions: how strong are you?  how far do you have to pack your full supers?  how many super are you going to have to pack (more hives more supers)?

Michael Bushes website is great.  If you haven't been there, it's a good place to start.  here's the link for the case to use 8 frame mediums.  http://www.bushfarms.com/beeseightframemedium.htm

[poka-bee]

Welcome to the bee world Chuck!  I decided on 8frm meds and am so glad!  Even those are heavy when full of honey. You will be amazed @ how heavy honey is..I was astounded! I bet a full frame of honey is around 4lbs..haven't weighed em though. Think about your age, what you can do, if you have anyone to help you & what you want from your bees.  It is probably cheaper to go reg 10 frm. but not if you hurt yourself or is too difficult to do.  One size is a good thing, you can swap anything anywhere you need it, fast! One thing, get more boxes than you think you will need...I was sweating it late summer when they were going strong! Will get double or triple for next year!  J.

[Michael Bush]

http://www.bushfarms.com/beestopbarhives.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnewbees.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm