NEEPS

Cockadoodledoo · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 8:36 am Post subject:

Have you been watching Bill Turnbull's 'Bill's Bees' on the Country Channel. Very informative for a starter
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Townie · Moderator Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 2724 Location: Fife

Congratulations on your new arrivals.... Happy Bee Keeping

bracken · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:40 am Post subject: 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 · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 7:46 pm Post subject:

Apply to be the next British Honey Queen at www.bbka.org.uk
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Diana · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 7:42 am Post subject:

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!
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Maria · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 9:03 am Post subject:

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?
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