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JacobClark

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May 5, 2010
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I want to keep bees but dont want to go through any boring courses. Any advice? Where can i get bees? Cheap but good hive? Tools? Food?:bigear:
 
Can I really really really recommend a course? You will learn lots and it won't be boring, and it will give you a much better understanding of how to manage when you are on your own...
 
Just a thought, but if you think a beekeeping course will be boring, is beekeeping realy for you?
 
Get on a course and don't be so boring?

I'm not sure that beekeeping is for you. Can be really boring through the long dark winter months.

RAB
 
At least try and attend a "Beekeeping Appreciation Day" run by your local beekeeping society - many run them in late May or early June. Considerably less expensive than the extensive list of "essentials" you'll otherwise buy.

But I'd still recommend going on a course ... I did mine last year and would enthusiastically go again to ask all the questions I have subsequently realised I need answers to. Many on this forum probably organise or teach on similar courses, and I doubt any of them consider the courses are 'boring'.

D.
 
Go on at least a bee taster course - usually only a day, that way you will see if beekeeping is for you.

From your OP it doesnt sound like you should be doing beekeeping, prove me wrong though!

Im still new to beekeeping myself but am trying to absorb any information to learn about the art of beekeeping, be it this VERY informative forum, internet resources, books, mentorship and courses.

What part of the UK are you in?
 
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I want to keep bees but dont want to go through any boring courses. Any advice? Where can i get bees? Cheap but good hive? Tools? Food?:bigear:

Well I can only speak from experience but I thoroughly enjoyed my preliminary course when I did it. Met lots of like minded individuals and most keep in touch and can bounce ideas off each other if you come across something you are unsure of or need reassuring on.

My friend up the road wanted bees and he got them. I was able to get him a FREE space on a course which he turned down as he felt he didnt need it. Though it does irritate me when he needs me to sort out all his beekeeping problems for him as he has not got the basic knowledge the course would have given him. Of course I always help him as he is a friend but after the last problem he encountered I reinforced the need for him to take a course. It is each to their own but with a good mix of theory and practical sessions I feel at the very least a preliminary course is a must for new beekeepers if only to give you the confidence and knowledge of what to look for on weekly inspections, including what you are seeing in relation to swarm prevention or disease recognition.

You should meet contacts on a course that can put you in touch with local beekeepers that may bee able to facilitate you with bees at a reasonable cost from a good stock.

Good luck with your beekeeping and hopefully you will do a course. You will enjoy it. I bought my first two complete hives from HIVEMAKER on this forum. Excellent workmanship and great for advice on the phone. :hurray:
 
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well i loved my courses i can not see how the courses would be boring if you realy want to learn the craft. i dont think it is a good idea just to get a hive and think you will bluff your way through. reading a book is one thing but doing it in practis with 10 thousand bees flying round your head is another. you realy should get some knowledge first from people that no what they are doing.
 
I want to keep bees but dont want to go through any boring courses. Any advice? Where can i get bees? Cheap but good hive? Tools? Food?:bigear:

I concur with the posts of my fellow forum members re courses.

From the posts before mine it would appear that none of the posters found their course 'boring' and I would question where your mindset is coming from that you have already preordained that a 'course' would be boring.

If you have a genuine interest in becoming a keeper of bees, keeping your bees healthy and providing for their needs with the small possibility that you may be rewarded with a 'return' of some honey - then you will understand the benefits of........

Attending a course - which will lay the solid foundations for you to develop and build on to thoroughly enjoy this pastime.

Socialising / getting know the tutors / fellow beekeepers and developing your skills with their guidance and support.

Open communication - two way dialogue which will reward you with information on where you can source supplies and help you build good contacts.

There are many many members - experienced and inexperienced on this forum, everybody is willing to help and guide each other and I would recommend that you listen to their guidance and suggestions, reconsider your views on courses, make contact with your local association and perhaps see if there is a one day 'taster' course in your area.

Look on the positives and grasp every opportunity to increase your knowledge,

very best wishes,

Thebhoy
 
I want to keep bees but dont want to go through any boring courses. Any advice? Where can i get bees? Cheap but good hive? Tools? Food?:bigear:



I just typed a long post on the benefits of education and doing a course, but as it'll fall on deaf ears I've deleted it.


please let us know how you get on :rolleyes:
 

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