Children and bees

[Elaine]

My friends child (nearly 3) is fascinated by the bees (we have 2 hives in the garden, one by the sun-lounge so thay are quite close) So - how soon do people introduce children 'up-close' - and how small a bee suit can I get?

Once started, I would hope to keep his interest, so are there any web sites for 2nd hand childrens suits, as they grow so quickly (reason I ask is that there are some for childrens bike leathers - as again - specialist item and the little **** grow so quicly the gear is still almost new when they need the next size up!)

 

[oliver90owner]

Only three. Perhaps better to invest in a sewing machine and either modify, rebuild, or make your own!

 

[susbees]

I think 6-8 years is about the smallest size made: reason being that at 3 their attention span is so very short and they are not likely reliable in their actions in the vicinity of a hive so you need to watch them every second and can do very little at the same time so the main players don't see the need to make them. So making your own may be the only option.

 

[YorkshireBees]

I have 2 nephews and a niece (ages 4,6,8). I bought 2 suits (different sizes) for all 3 to share. My only advice is buy bigger and use a belt of something to hold it in place. As you say they grow so fast I didn't want the smallest suit to only last 1 season!

Although initially all 3 were quite interested only the eldest has regained interest after the initial novelty wore off.

In fact only this afternoon he was talking to me about helping when I start inspections again next month.

 

[nuporter]

Hi- I let my son watch a short inspection when he was about 4, I put an adult bee jacket on him- tied knots in the arms, put a belt around his hips (tight) and he wore his wellies with his trousers tucked in. The jacket almost touched the floor and he looked a little strange with the arms dangling. I stood him in the corner away from the bees flight path and told him to watch but not move. I then brought a couple of frames over to him to see. He was a little nervous with the bees flying around. Hes now 6 and hasnt shown any interest in seeing them again (although loves the honey!!). My youngest who is just 4 keeps popping his head round the fence to take a peep at the bees and has been asking me to see them- so I will repeat the above with him soon. If they show interest when they are a little older- I may invest in a bee suit - although I may just keep using the tied arms on the adult jacket for a while. It does mean they cant hold anything tho.
Nuala x

 

[johnandyrob]

My son was three when he started accompanying me on inspections. I bought him a mb suite great quality.

 

[ashleybee]

My lad is 7 and he started coming with me on odd occasions to do inspections and seems to be very interested in the queen rearing side of things. I brought him a suit from Mo***rn beekeeping its great quality and fit. AB

 

[isc26]

Maybe look at jacket/veils rather than suits. Less expensive and will probably be slower to grow out of.

 

[susbees]

In fact only this afternoon he was talking to me about helping when I start inspections again next month.

My 10yo walked past me on the house phone last night and at the top of her voice asked "is that a swarm call"?! Mind she declared the last one she attended last year not very exciting but is looking forward to the first Spring inspection on "her" (the only) National. She helped with the OA, mite counts and fondant to get us through winter - just wish she didn't keep losing her Junior cert diary . Her idea....sigh....