New member

[Bron]

Hi, I am from North Wales and hoping to start having bees one day. My grandfather kept bees and it's a hobby I have always wanted to explore. Recently joined my local BKA and bought some books. I know I have got a lot of learning to do! This forum looks a great place for gathering info. I am very happy to find you

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Croeso
Which BKA have you joined?

 

[Bron]

Lleyn & Eifionydd

 

[madasafish]

 

[BeeAdmin]

Welcome to the forum. Enjoy.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Welcome to our little bee community.

 

[Bron]

Croeso
Which BKA have you joined?

I have joined the Lleyn & Eifionydd BKA

 

[Bron]

I have just noticed how may hives you have all got. Is it usual to have so many? I was thinking about having 1 or 2 hives lol

 

[Swarm]

Yep, that's the usual plan the bees tend to alter plans.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I have just noticed how may hives you have all got. Is it usual to have so many? I was thinking about having 1 or 2 hives lol

That’s the danger with bees. You get More Bees disease
Two is a good number. Lots of people have just the two.

 

[Amari]

I have just noticed how may hives you have all got. Is it usual to have so many? I was thinking about having 1 or 2 hives lol

We always recommend two colonies (or more). Every colony behaves slightly/very differently so two hives = double the learning experience. Also, if you're unlucky to loose a colony then you've not lost the hobby for some weeks or months. Sometimes a weak colony benefits from a donation of brood from the stronger colony. QED!

 

[Bron]

thanks for your replies. So I will plan my layout to start with two hives. I hope my area will be big enough

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Two is a good number. Lots of people have just the two.

I remember two
Vaguely

 

[Erichalfbee]

I remember two
Vaguely

Yes....me too

 

[Bron]

From what I have been reading, each hive needs an area of 4m x 4m. Is this the case in practice?

 

[E&MBees]

I have just noticed how may hives you have all got. Is it usual to have so many? I was thinking about having 1 or 2 hives lol

N+1! Beekeeping is addictive, before you know it, you will think of nothing else! Welcome

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

From what I have been reading, each hive needs an area of 4m x 4m. Is this the case in practice?

no, you can space them a few inches apart if you really want to, as long as you have enough room to move around them for manipulations and inspection

 

[Busylizzie]

Once you have bees you find them fascinating. So much to learn but so much fun too.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I make stands that can hold three hives a few inches apart but only have a pair on each stand, leaving the middle slot free to put the upturned roof and supers on when inspecting

 

[pargyle]

From what I have been reading, each hive needs an area of 4m x 4m. Is this the case in practice?

No ... I have seven (and can manage 8 or 9) colonies in an area that is about 6m x 4m. They are in my garden as well. Starting with two is ideal but be prepared for the inevitable increase as time goes on - bees will swarm and either you accept the new colony that they make or you pre-empt the swarming and you make up -- guess what ? Another colony ... Most beekeepers start with one or two colonies but - it's hard to resist the temptation of more bees - the bees usually come free if you let them - you just have to spend money on the kit to keep them in. So, start with two but be prepared for four !