join a local assoc - they usually have an extractor to borrow - saves on a big expense.
also you can often join the swarm list or get bees cheaper - that can be a saving too
So Jackbee,
Bearing mind I put a ? after the extractor (can borrow/hire or even may not need initially at all) and that he wants two hives (still not sure if he means that or two colonies), but do you reckon three hundred quid is a realistic figure? How do you price it all up?
Depencdent on time of year, he could buy in two nuc hives with bees and leave them until spring before buying anything else, I suppose. I was thinking enough kit to actually keep bees. If 2 colonies we are/will shortly be talking A/S.
Are we talking now or for next year (winter sales can make a huge difference)?
What do you think is realistic for a new beek?
also you can often join the swarm list or get bees cheaper - that can be a saving too
So Jackbee,
Bearing mind I put a ? after the extractor (can borrow/hire or even may not need initially at all) and that he wants two hives (still not sure if he means that or two colonies), but do you reckon three hundred quid is a realistic figure? How do you price it all up?
Depencdent on time of year, he could buy in two nuc hives with bees and leave them until spring before buying anything else, I suppose. I was thinking enough kit to actually keep bees. If 2 colonies we are/will shortly be talking A/S.
Are we talking now or for next year (winter sales can make a huge difference)?
What do you think is realistic for a new beek?