New member from Oswestry Shropshire

[MrB]

Hi There,
I have just registered for the forum after becoming interested in keeping bee's just a few months ago.
I am about to join the Oswestry Beekeepers, been reading up on the subject and am looking to start a course in Shrewsbury during the off season.
I hope to buy my first hive and nuc of Bees in time for the new season.
i am looking to buy a national hive and perhaps the full kit including nuc of bees.
Is there anyone else here from Oswestry?
And i would welcome any thoughts and/or advice on Hives, where to buy (i was thinking of 'Fragile planet' Oswestry, prices.
Best way to buy bee's and anything else that might be usefull to a beginer

Thanks in anticipation!

 

[hedgerow pete]

welcome to the best forum going , we will give you loads of advice no problems there its stopping it thats the problem

 

[ribblesbees]

we will give you loads of advice no problems there its stopping it thats the problem

Yes, welcome MrB.

The only other problem as HP may be alluding to is that different beeks have different ideas, so its really a case at loking at the advice/suggestions and seeing what you think will work best for you/your hives.

 

[tonybloke]

try reading a few books as well! Ted Hooper, 'guide to bees and honey', is a definate 'must read' book. after reading this you might decide to go for a 'commercial' hive, with national supers, and top bee space! good luck with whichever you choose, there will be plenty of options, that's for sure!

 

[JCBrum]

Interesting choice Tonybloke, ......... what's wrong with commercial supers ? (genuine newbeek enquiry).

 

[MrB]

Thanks guys for your quick replies!
And tonybloke, I have got and read every page of the book you mention and infact i have also thought about a comercial hive.
Am i right in thinking that with more hive space, the bee's are less likely to swarm??

 

[DrNick]

Am i right in thinking that with more hive space, the bee's are less likely to swarm??

There is some truth in that but it depends on the strane of bee you decide on and which way the wind is blowing on any particular day.

 

[MJBee]

JC
I run commercial brood with national supers too. the commercial supers are just too heavy to handle - plus I converted from all national so had the supers anyway - grin - Mike

 

[JCBrum]

Ok MJBee, fair enough ........... although, if you had Nat in the first place, why didn't you go to 14x12 ? you would get very slightly more brood area, and you would only need a cheap eke instead of a new bb ? and you could use frame extenders, but personally I would change the frames.

 

[Rosti]

MrB I've used Fragile Planet. I got good prices, a generous amount of support when selecting items and prompt delivery.

P.S. Welcome!

 

[Onge]

Welcome