Recent content by fabindia

Really nice pictures

I am totally lost by the advice on this thread. There doesn't seem to be any sort of consensus:judge: Perhaps we are all so different, we have to do what works for us. I would classify my reaction to stings as, 'normal'. I don't over react to stings, they do swell up slightly and itch the next...

If you are in the North East, our local beekeeping association, Durham Beekeepers, are running a beginners course, starting mid-April.

Beautiful. Make sure you enjoy it - fresh home made bread, still warm from the oven and honey.

I find this thread totally bewildering. As a new beek, aren't I just glad I went on a course, joined my local association and bought just one nuc and hives them. Seems to me trying to look after so many combinations of colonies is just too much for a new beek

Yes, very clever photo but what horrible blighters these mites are. Vigilance and control is essential

Looks my council, Gateshead, have signed up. Hope this initiative produces some great results.

Agree with everything said here. It is getting very late in the year to be starting off. I got my first nuc and hived them nearly 8 weeks ago and I thought it was getting a bit late. Learn all you can and join your local beekeeping association.. I went on a course earlier in the year but...

I don't know if mine are particularly placid but I have no problems with with them. I got a clue of stings early on in the year but I can get really close to the hive no problems. I did an inspection last night and only wore a veil, just shirt sleeves and shorts. I try and be as careful as...

I have been leaving mine out but was wondering about come the winter. Do you put the tray in over winter? Also, given varroa mesh is a relatively new innovation, what was at the bottom hives before then? (Just thinking of the comments about mice getting in etc.)

Yes, they did use hive instead of colony, perhaps they thought it might be easier for the general audience to understand. Also, it came cross as humans have been keeping bees in framed hives for thousands of years, which clearly isn't true. Again, petty as overall an excellent programme.

I often see apple trees as well .... totally agree potentially a great ecology.

I only set up my hive a month ago, and like you was in two minds about whether to go now or in the Spring. But in for a penny .... I went for and like already said, you'll get 6 months experience under your belt. Believe me this beekeeping business is a steep learning curve.

I got my first 5 frame nuc a month ago, transferred to my hive, and since then have been feeding them 1:1 sugar water. I checked them again tonight and they appear to be doing very well, lots of bees, lots of brood, drawing and filling the new frames with nectar, etc. Hence the question, they...

I once got stung about 50 times by wasps when I disturbed a nest in a ditch I was clearing. Not pleasant is it! Had a few bee stings this year but nothing to worry about. Hope you feel OK as the day goes on - they can get really itchy I find.