Warre Hives

[Bee_Interested]

Does anyone use Warre Hives? I am considering becoming a backyard beekeeper with no commercial desires. I am considering using a Warre Hive and would like to find someone whom I could ask questions.

[Jacobs]

I sent you a pm and held off responding in hopes that someone might have information for you. I don't know of anyone using Warre Hives. We have some folks using top bar equipment, but most use a variety of Langstroth hives (8 frame, 10 frame, deep & medium for brood, all mediums, etc.) We focus on Langstroth hives in our annual beginner course because of the availability of interchangeable equipment, relative ease of manipulating frames, and increased ability to deal with issues in a troubled hive from resources in another hive. We generally suggest that new beekeepers learn on Langstroth equipment and then move into other set ups as they gain experience. That being said, if you want to get into beekeeping, and you are determined to use Warre Hives, give it a go.

[Bee_Interested]

Thank you for your reply. The Warre hive seems to fit my thoughts as it seems to be a hive that requires little management and allows the bees to operate more toward theit natural design.

I just finished an online coursedeveloped by the Penn State Extension School. I know that I am not as knowledgable as I would like to be, but still feel like I would like to take on beekeeping. I have printed out application to become a member of the Guilford County Beekeepers Association. I know that you are not meeting at this time due to Covid19, but astill feel that you are a great resource for information.

Is it too late this season to start a hive?

Bee_Interested

[Jacobs]

It is not too late to start. We are in the main nectar flow now. It usually ends around the beginning of June. You may need to feed your bees even with the flow going on and you will definitely need to feed them when the flow slows or stops. You want the bees to continue drawing comb and the queen continuing to lay during the summer so that you have a large enough population for over wintering.

[WannaBee1]

Welcome to the group, Bee_Interested. I am into my eighth year with Langstroth hives so I have no Warre hive experience to offer; but, I'm interested in how it goes for you. I have been thinking of trying Warre hives in the mountains where my family has a little retreat house with a lot of sunlight and resources. Please post more about your experience as you explore. Maybe I can learn from your experience and decide whether or not this would work for me with less attention to the hive and more on its place in nature.

[Bee_Interested]

Jacobs and WannaBee1,

Glad to see response posts from each of you. I am excited because I just ordered my Warre Hive today and a starter tool kit with veil jacket. I also mailed my membership application for GCBA.

I will keep you informed of my progress. I expect the hive to arrive in 2-3 weeks. I still need to find someone , hopefully local, from whom I could purchase bees. If either of you have suggestions I would love to have them. This is going to be a backyard, no more than two hive operation. I am not a big honey lover, but I have had an interest in bee since I was ten years old. Now that I am retired, I have more time to just enjoy life, gardening, golfing, and now bees.

New life experience, so I am open for all information that will make this a success and advance the life of bees. I am looking forward to being a part of the beekeepers community.

Bee_Interested

[Wally]

Your local source for bees and supplies.

Beez Needz Beekeeping Products & Supplies

Address: 3662 Edgar Rd, Sophia, NC. 27350 | Phone: 336-431-BEEZ (2339) |

Business Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm | Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm


https://beezneedz.com/

[Bee_Interested]

Thanks Wally