hive and bees

[ferret]

Hi to all.it's not to late,as im not going for the ply one but i'm going to look at a cedar hive tomorrow(this years swarm)the chap said the bees are ready to move into a super,so ill just have to see!

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

well if it's a swarm he should only charge you for the hive - have you got anybody going with you to advise?

 

[ferret]

No,as only just getting started havent joined any organisations yet but it thought id go take a look at this hive.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

'Home made', too. A lot of things that may not be optimal. Bee space is one of them. You can get a new hive complete with Q/E, frames and supers for a good deal less than that.

What is the provenance of the bees? Not a recent swarm, I hope!

Over-priced at this time of the year if no hope of a crop and with a high risk of losing them over winter, after feeding them with copious amounts of sugar.

Beginners are often too naive to know the good from the bad and the ugly.

Would be reasonable only if you can guarantee a strong colony in the hive in the spring.

Your risk.

Agree with most of the above but "home made" does not necessarily mean inaccurately dimensioned. Most of my hives are home made - it's the bought in stuff which gets propolis and brace comb problems

 

[oliver90owner]

home made" does not necessarily mean inaccurately dimensioned

Correct, but it is more likely. I did not suggest more than that and that the inexperienced eye may end up buying a less than optimal package.

There are other constructional items which may be less than optimal. I could give a comprehensive list, but will not as there is likely little point.

 

[kazmcc]

Hi ferret, welcome to the forum

It might be an idea to leave off getting any bees just yet, and spend the rest of the year and winter reading books and the forum, asking questions, as it would be a shame for you to spend money then lose them over winter.

By all means have a look at them, perhaps see if he will reserve them for you come spring. Try and get as much ' hive side ' experience while you wait.

There is so much to keeping bees, so much to learn. Just my two pennies worth

 

[dn170221]

If you are really busting to own your own bees, I would make the following observation. It has been a REALLY good year. If you can find your nearest association(s) and get in touch with them. If they are in any way active they will be running sessions probably once or twice a week that you could attend. As I said a really good year which means even at this latish time there may be some Nucs available for you to buy.
The reason I say this is because a Nuc is far more manageable for someone starting out that a full colony especially if it has supers on top!!
My thoughts anyway get involved with other keepers who can coach you and hopefully sell you a Nuc they will help you with and stand over it!

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

Hi ferret, welcome to the forum

It might be an idea to leave off getting any bees just yet, and spend the rest of the year and winter reading books and the forum, asking questions, as it would be a shame for you to spend money then lose them over winter.

By all means have a look at them, perhaps see if he will reserve them for you come spring. Try and get as much ' hive side ' experience while you wait.

There is so much to keeping bees, so much to learn. Just my two pennies worth

Agreed.


Dusty

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

If you can find your nearest association(s) and get in touch with them. If they are in any way active they will be running sessions probably once or twice a week that you could attend. As I said a

discussed and offered in posts #13 and #14 - you can lead a horse to water..................................