New to bees

[cshe091]

I'm not sure if I have posted this in the correct section, but I am new to beekeeping. I have been doing my research and trying to figure out what equipment I need to get started, but I have to admit that it is overwhelming. I just want something simple, and not too big to get started. I have found some plans for a top bar hive, but I have read lots of pros and cons about them. Of course like everyone, I don't have a lot of money to spend on the equipment. If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate them. I'm in SE Greensboro, so if any experienced beekeepers needs any help with maintenance of their hives, or anything like that, I would be more than happy to help out in exchange for some guidance.

Thanks in advance,
Curtis

[Jacobs]

Welcome to the board. You may want to read Michelle's post, "Shopping list. . ." a few posts down to see the discussion about what to buy when starting out. If you are thinking about starting bees now, your challenges may be getting equipment and getting bees. We are in the middle of this season's nectar flow, and so far, it is a really good one. This means that many beekeepers are ordering extra equipment and scrambling to keep up with the bees. Supply places may have some items on back order so you would want to check before getting bees.

Bees may also be a challenge now. With the swarm season as active as it has been, you may be able to find a beekeeper with some extra bees to sell in the local area.

We have had some heated discussions on the board concerning top bar hives. They may be cheaper to make, but our experienced beekeepers who have had them say it is more difficult to have bees survive in them. A number of beekeepers enjoy the challenge of working with top bar equipment, but I think a beginner would be better off using the standard Langstroth hives.

There are plenty of other folks on the board with good information and ideas and I hope they will chime in. If you want, you can give me a call at 336-740-1703 and talk about where you are in the process of starting and perhaps about getting you some exposure to a functioning hive.

[Wally]

Ditto... Contact me, Jacobs, or any number of other local beeks and ask for a tour of our/their bee yard and an hour or two of conversation. It will be invaluable. 302-2708

[cshe091]

Thanks, for the information. I have been looking on around for different hive options. My problem is that I don't really know what I am looking at with a hive, and whether or not it might be complete. I will give one of you guys a call tomorrow, I really appreciate the offer of advice. I would really like to have some bees this year, but a year of experience/practice for next year would not be bad either.

[Zulu]

I would also bee happy to help

I am bringing home two new nuc's (small hives) from the breeder.

I am also a beginner - one hive in late March - a swarm in April and now two nucs tomorrow morning
I am near Guilford College and will be installing these around 9 - 9:30am if all goes to plan.

Rick
Two 09-nine 894 cell and text

[cshe091]

I have meetings this morning that I can't get out of, otherwise I would love to take part in watching you install the hives. Maybe next time.

[Heidi]

Hi

For those that responded to the original poster about being new to bees/beekeeping, are you averse to having me call you if you listed your number? Are there others that can help share information. I am reading through this forum and other sites to learn as much as I can but I would really appreciate some time to discuss the beginning rules of beekeeping.

Please let me know if I can contact you to discuss further!

Thanks

Heidi

(live in Browns Summit)

[Jacobs]

You can feel free to call me at 336-740-1703. Also, I hope to be posting details of the 2012 Beginner Beekeeping Course in the next week or two.

Also, welcome to the forum and to beekeeping!

[Wally]

Hello, Heidi. My number is 336-302-2708. Call anytime. And Welcome to the forum.
Wally

[Heidi]

Hi -

I am going to call you! Thanks so very much for the time you are willing to give in advance.

Trying to negotiate this and preparing a major landscaping project at the same time. (actually happening now). If there are any planting materials that I need to be looking at for purchase I am eager to know as I make my final decisions.

I would then love to add beekeeping as a next goal.

[Wally]

I waited up til 11 for you to call. Did I miss it some way?

[Jacobs]

I did not take her post to mean she would be calling immediately, just as questions come up during her preparation for beekeeping. My phone gets turned off and hits the recharger at about 9:00 pm. Habits of a morning person.

[Wally]

Just being facetious.