Archive for NEEPS North East Eco-friendly People's Site          NEEPS Forum Index -> Bee Keeping Diana They're here!!! Got my bees last night!     Very excited, and I can't denigh, a little apprehensive - reading and researching are one thing, but doing is totally different (have been "practicing" and observing for last year though). Not worried though - felt the same when we got the dog, cats, chickens, Landie   Maria Oh wow - great news.   Smooth Hound im going to come and look at those soon, have you got all the suit stuff, im not into this being brave and trusting the bees stuff, i could do without getting stung to pieces ill learn at your expense nina Isn't there an alternative therapy where they cure just about everything with bee stings???? wildgarlic There is a real buzz about you today Diana! Happy New Bees. Smooth Hound she seems a bit chuffed i must say though, ive always wanted a bee hive, one day Maria Quote: she seems a bit chuffed  i must say though, ive always wanted a bee hive, one day You've got plenty of space and great organic food for them - how about one day soon? I love the thought of it but don't have the space   I could help if you want to - how about absolute minimal imput in the way bio-bee's work? Don't care a toot if there's no honey - as long as the bee's get to live!!!   Forget-me-Not Bees Wow Diana, I'm so excited for you!!!!!!!! What a brilliant thing to do and to be helping bees when they're struggling! Please keep us up-to-date with it, I'm really fascinated! Beth Smooth Hound Maria wrote: Quote: she seems a bit chuffed  i must say though, ive always wanted a bee hive, one day You've got plenty of space and great organic food for them - how about one day soon? I love the thought of it but don't have the space   I could help if you want to - how about absolute minimal imput in the way bio-bee's work? Don't care a toot if there's no honey - as long as the bee's get to live!!!   ill look into costs etc, then thhere all the suit and equipment too. pete_inthehills have you given them all names? pete inthehills Cockadoodledoo Have you been watching Bill Turnbull's  'Bill's Bees' on the Country Channel.  Very informative for a starter Townie Congratulations on your new arrivals.... Happy Bee Keeping   bracken bees well done for getting your bees - are they from a local source? Can I give you a few words of advice - gleaned from my own experiences of beekeeping? Don't be tempted to 'go into' your bees just because you want to 'see what they are doing' - have a routine set up for regular inspections, once a month is enough. Know in advance what you intend to do once you are in. I've seen where folk have gone into their bees in March then wondered why they all died.... When you are going into your bees, the best time of day is around 2pm which is when (on a sunny day) the majority of the bees will be foraging. Don't go in if there is thunder in the air - the bees are very agitated before thunder. Work from the side of the hive - not directly in front. I hope this is of some help and apologies if it conflicts with what you have already been told. I know if you ask 100 beekeepers for advice you'll get 100 differing replies!! Good luck!!!! Cockadoodledoo Apply to be the next British Honey Queen at www.bbka.org.uk Diana Not sure how I missed the replies - sorry. Smooth - go for it (if you can). I recon set-up cost are between £200 and £500, depending on where you get your bees, whether you get a new hive and suit or secondhand. Best thing is to join your local association. Even if you haven't got bees you'll be able to learn and meet people. They often have secondhand gear for sale and you should be able to get local (and cheaper) bees than any other way. Yes I have a suit (but not a spare yet - will be getting one for the OH though as I've decided he's going to NEED one ). Nina - yes I think so - for everything except being allergic to bees. Pete - I have a mate how's determind to make sure I do. Will make for one hell of a party after the christening   CDD - no I haven't - haven't got access to that channel. And thanks for the link. Braken - yes, they're from about 15 miles away (the guy is mentoring me, and it was his bees I've been "observing" for the passed year). I agree about not too often, but is once a month enough? Isn't there a danger they'll rear another Queen in that time and swarm? Obviously over winter is different. I have worked out a routine for a once a week visit, but am prepared to be flexible so I can go when weather conditions are favourable. All advice welcome - there's never a right or wrong way with these things and as far as I'm concerned, the more info you have the better decisions you can make. I have checked the hive once since I got it (working from behind). Had a plan to check for eggs, brood, Queen, food - and all present and correct. Only a little pollen being brought in (gorse by the look of it), but a little stored too. Will try and keep you updated - shout if you get bored! Maria Spotted 2 honey bees in my poly yesterday and thought of you.   Be great to hear how you get on. Also, does it really cost that much to set up? Even if you go the biobees way?        NEEPS Forum Index -> Bee Keeping Page 1 of 1