Im new to beekeeping and I would like some help.

[rockdoc]

I was going to suggest just what Spadaman has mentioned. Offering your land as an out apiary etc is a fine way to learn. you get to watch the bees right on your doorstep with guaranteed help. By the way Spadaman, nothing to do with Guzzi's by any chance?

 

[BBG]

I was going to suggest just what Spadaman has mentioned. Offering your land as an out apiary etc is a fine way to learn. you get to watch the bees right on your doorstep with guaranteed help. By the way Spadaman, nothing to do with Guzzi's by any chance?

We give guidance to two wannabees but they're not content with what they can manage once a week, they want to come to every hive. As we enjoy things when it's good, they're a pain beyond the first hour.

Having done this previously, I find 'bad backs' suddenly develop when it's payback time at harvesting but 'Shouldn't I be entitled to some honey for being there' falls quickly from their lips.

Just an observation and much prefer the landed gentry who wave mostly, or stop rarely, on their way past.

 

[gingerbees]

We also got 'bees on a budget' hive from Thornes along with some second hand kit - we underestimated how much kit we would need in our first year, so be prepared for a bit of expense.
I would highly recommend you get a bee buddy/mentor. We had invaluable information and it gave us a real confidence boost, our local BKA have been very helpful.
Don't be put off, its a wonderful hobby.

 

[adrian wilford]

find a beek nearby and ask if you could help watch her

 

[BeeNice]

or Him?

 

[Moggs]

Miles - as mentioned earlier - Harper Adams Uni College in Newport Shropshire. Research the fun and games to be had via this forum (search 'Spring Convention'). A free for all as far as crowds go but some bulk bargains. As also mentioned, good to gain familiarity with handling bees asap. Good luck.

 

[peterbees]

Have a look at Starting with bees on our website. Google C8nwy beekeepers. Just change the 8 to an o. Some of it is specific to north Wales, but most of it is general.
Most important...Enjoy your beekeeping!

 

[BeeNice]

Miles - as mentioned earlier - Harper Adams Uni College in Newport Shropshire. Research the fun and games to be had via this forum (search 'Spring Convention'). A free for all as far as crowds go but some bulk bargains. As also mentioned, good to gain familiarity with handling bees asap. Good luck.

The thing with learning about beekeeping is that when you start you don't always know the different between a national and a commercial hive, going to a full out grab what you can sale is not always the best way. I've been to auction bee sales where people where buying, basically, crap for the the full price of new stuff. Learn to walk before you can run, and build up slowly, you will soon learn what you need and what you don't.
regards
Steven

 

[BeeJayBee]

The thing with learning about beekeeping is that when you start you don't always know the different between a national and a commercial hive, going to a full out grab what you can sale is not always the best way.

Spend a lot of time reading, books and the internet, and looking at videos. You'll soon sort out the wheat from the chaff, and will learn a lot without realising it.

Talk to as many other beekeepers as possible, and ask if you can look at their hives, even if only from a distance. There are a lot to choose from - WBC, National, Commercial, Langstroth, Top Bar and Warre are only a few of those available. You'll, probably quite quickly, make up your mind which one you prefer.

I know a very happy wheelchair-using beekeeper who has a couple of WBC hives.

 

[stoneleighhouse]

Hi Welcome to Bee keeping
see if you can find an older beekeeper in your assoc,. its hard on the back and lifting becomes a problem as you get older , then you can learn the ropes first hand in exchange for your labour, perhaps advertise this on your local assoc. website

 

[Hebeegeebee]

Go to the spring convention by all means. However a new beekeeper won't know what he (or she) wants or needs so my advice would be to buy nothing from it - this year.

 

[itma]

Go to the spring convention by all means. However a new beekeeper won't know what he (or she) wants or needs so my advice would be to buy nothing from it - this year.

I don't think its actually worth the trek for a no-hives-yet newb to go all the way from Suffolk (where the OP says he is located) to Shropshire.

I think more could be gained at that stage by spending the travel, accommodation and entry money on other things - and spending the time visiting local beeks/associations.
Much better to make informed buying decisions than risk just shopping for the best bargain without much clue as to what one is buying into.

 

[Spadaman]

By the way Spadaman, nothing to do with Guzzi's by any chance?

Yep - 1982 Spada NT with Le Mans carbs. Bought many years ago in your neck of the woods - Minster on the Isle of Sheppy