Hello to everyone,
Having been thinking about it for quite a few years, I took the plunge and have enrolled with my local Association (York) for their beginners' course: I've been (re-)reading my Haynes Bee Manual (after about 5 years !) and reading the Forum Activity, but am still quite confused about some(many) of the terms used. Hopefully the course will answer most if not all of my concerns / questions. - I'm tempted to make a list of things I'm not clear about, but might just wait until the course starts at the end of this month. E.G. The variety of equipment available seems mind-boggling: for example what's the difference between a bee suit at £20.00 and one at £130?
I'm looking to be a hobby beekeeper as a means of keeping me out of mischief having something to do, but a little anxious about how much lifting will be involved as I have a painful back as well as arthritis in my hips and knee... Hopefully it won't be too much to bear!
In any case I'm looking forward to meeting others who are local to me and keen to enjoy whole thing.
To finish, wanted to say 'HELLO' to everyone: I feel I've already got to know a number of members from reading messages on the Daily Forum: everyone seems genuinely keen to help as much as they are able.
PeteYork
Hi PeteYork. . .
Welcome to this Forum.
(I've just joined / actually re-joined. I must of been on here Years and Years ago !)
Some time much later. I too have have Lifting/Pain issues. Yes age, but also from an awful RTC And a physical Job taking its toll. . . Retired on Health Grounds.
Re Concerns :
One thing my Career taught me is : there are more ways to do 'one' thing. I guess the appropriate Motto would be "Think Outside the Box" !
If you can't lift regular Bee Equipment. Maybe either Buy or 'have' some make you a Hive called a "Horizontal Hive" ! . . .
Bit like a Chest Freezer that you might have in a Garage. You 'Lift' the Lid, choose an Item. And lower the lid down. Easy. (Some far out Re-Cyclers have been known to make H.H's out of Dead Chest Freezers !!!) Slap some Interior Wood on that Foil Foam Wall. Ensure their is front to back 'space' to accommodate Honey Comb Frames resting on Ledges. Provide an under set of (Inner Covering) say of individual Boards that will encapsulate the Colony. So they are Snug inside, while no Access or Beekeeping is happening. And then Wood work a full exterior Covering and maybe add a Chain to the Lid so it doesn't 'Flip' back in the Wind (!) And Hey Presto. . .You have a Horizontal Hive. Wow that easy !?!
I Confess :
My Langstroth H.H. Yes : only uses a Freezer Lid (Metal Sheeting.)
And was Commissioned by me from a now Retired Beek / DIY Botcher who could do all sorts !
He used Scaffold Boards, Marine Ply, tons of Nails hammered here there and everywhere (!) Some old Sheep Fleece to Insulate the Wall Cavity Space. Even added "Glass" Coasters as Viewing Port Holes to each inner Board where a 2" Hole was Drilled thru. ! (Take a peek without needing a Bee Suit. Are they ??? . . Yes. . . They are Alive !
So you can see. . . Beekeeping can be done by poor Backs, those who can't do regular Hives, like those who are not 'Strong' or can't deal with a huge Stacked Hive.
Even Wheelchair users can be Bee "Keepers."
If not a H H. What about Warre Hives (×1 Sq Foot Boxes, x4 Boxes Tall, with a Pitched Roof.) If that's to much. . .
Their is a crazy Beek called "Sam Comfort" aka Comfort Hives. Who uses a Small Box or two and BBQ Skewers instead of Frames. OK he is based, I think in California. So you may need to up the Insulation for a Cold Freezing UK Winter.
But remember a Poly Nuc, off a Bee Supplier Site, is hardly bigger than the capacity of a SC's Hive.
I hope you enjoy your 'Newbie Beek Course, when it comes. In the meantime. Ask on this Forum. . . We all started out as "Newbies" once !
And maybe if nothing is on Telly Binge Watch Bee Youtube Videos.
If its UK/EU/USA/NZ/orOZ. They are all doing "Bees." OK the location and timing of 'Input' might change from Season to Season, Country to Country, but its mainly 'similar stuff' that Beeks do to "keep" Bees. Or do Bees 'keep' us ?
Final note.
Pain is painful. For sure. And a Bee Sting hurts too. But I've found by returning to Beekeeping after a 30yr gap. . . Being busy with watching my Bees. Even them coming and going on the Landing Board (Entrance to the Hive) takes my Mind of my own 'Pain'. I still get a Sting now and again. Initially as a new Beekeeper it's 'horrible,' but unless your 'Hyper-Allergic,' Stings sometimes takes your mind of your own 'Joint' Pain. Call it 'stupid' a form of Mindfulness. A pass time, whatever. . . Beekeeping is really a great thing !
Get a decent Suit in a SALE now !
(Jan is the most un "Bee buying Month" for Bee Stores : Grab a better one at a Cheaper price.
Know you will need to take an Antihistamine to sooth a Sting (Any over the Counter Hayfever Med will do.) Don your Wellies, Marigolds, and I highly recommend those Physio Velcro Wrist Supports ! One they help your Joints, Two. They stop Bees getting up your Bee Suit Sleeves. (I hate the Gaunlets with attached Thick Leather Gloves. (Bee Bashers for sure. SplatSting !)
Anyway. . . this has turned into a Thesis !
Have a Read, Watch a Video, ask Questions again, again and again.
And get a Hive and Bees.
And enjoy. . . P.M if you want. .
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