Novice Beekeeper

[cotfor]

I started beekeeping in July and loving every minute but scared to death that I might do something wrong!!! As I am very shy I have not joined an association instead I am learning all about my bees by reading books, forums and I am keeping in touch with the beekeeper where I bought my nuc who is extremely helpful and patient! People might think me nuts but I do go and talk to my bees as they do a lot for us. They are very friendly and not the least aggressive. Hopefully I will do everything right and they come through the winter fit and healthy.

 

[itma]

Welcome!

Reading the forum and books (by different authors - important, that) can improve your theoretical knowledge.
However, there is nothing quite like seeing inside as many other hives as possible to accelerate learning. You have the opportunity of experiencing bees with different tempers, different hive designs, apiary setups and seeing first-hand a whole slew of situations that it is better to have thought about before you see them in your own hive.
Recognising the state of the colony quickly only comes with experience, lots of it. And you can multiply your rate of gaining experience by seeing inside more hives!

Do join an association.
They may look odd and occasionally smell funny, but they are almost certainly harmless - to humans anyway, if not bees!
One side-benefit of membership is insurance. Probably worth it for that quite apart from the meetings and support network.

Oh, and going up to two colonies gets you much more self-sufficiency in terms of being able to recover from mistakes and ill-fortune. But it also means you should double the amount of spare equipment! Winter is the time for the Sales and for making plans ...


/// Nothing wrong with talking to the bees. Its actually traditional. Just check no-one else is listening...

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

Hi cotfor!

Welcome indeed!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who talks to the bees!
The trouble is they don't listen. Just hum their own tune!

I agree with itma - do join an association and get to know them.
Most beeks are really interesting and friendly - and just love nattering.
In fact they will almost certainly not notice your shyness, as they get enthusiastic!

Enjoy your bees!

Dusty

 

[theeggman]

and

You don't say where in Devon you are. We in the Oke. branch are a very friendly bunch. Our apiary meetings have finished for this year but we have talks etc. monthly through the winter.

Tim

 

[theeggman]

PM sent.
As you are new to the forum please check you PM box, top right of the home page.

And welcome again.

Tim.

 

[enrico]

But if you don't fancy joining an association then don't. It isn't the bee all and end all!
You can learn loads from your 'mentor'. And, more importantly, you are not encouraged to follow the crowd. Keeping bees is a pleasure, or should be, and doing it your own way can be very satisfying. All I would say is if you need help then ask, pick out the answer that suits your ethos the best and never regret it. You can do little wrong that the bees cannot repair and they are probably your best guide to the correct way of looking after them!
Welcome
E

 

[Luminos]

cotfor

 

[cotfor]

Many thanks to you all for your welcome to the forum. In reply to theeggman I live in South Devon. I know there are associations in my area but I just dont like meeting new people - I feel very awkward in that sort of situation

 

[Smorning]

Many thanks to you all for your welcome to the forum. In reply to theeggman I live in South Devon. I know there are associations in my area but I just dont like meeting new people - I feel very awkward in that sort of situation

I would suggest looking at you tube they have some excellent videos from beekeepers around the world which are very informative and for someone who is shy allows you to see in practice many beekeeping procedures. Obviously some of the videos have bad practices but they are easy to determine have a look at the fat bee man from the USA which will open up further suggested sites. Also try a podcast from iTunes the organically managed beekeeper SoMBK is a good starting point also the Beekeepers corner which has some interesting content and great for listening in the car. Best of luck in your beekeeping

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

but I just dont like meeting new people - I feel very awkward in that sort of situation

I was the same - bit of a problem when I worked the green channel at Cardiff Airport!!
It's always a bit of a problem meeting up with new people but don't fret we beekeepers are a rum bunch but we are pretty friendly, maybe the answer is to turn up at an apiary meeting first - less people to get to know and most are just looking and learning so less 'socialising pressure'.

 

[itma]

I would suggest looking at you tube they have some excellent videos from beekeepers around the world ... Obviously rather a lot of the videos are proudly demonstrating shockingly bad practices ...

Fixed that for you.

Beware of random rednecks. In fact beware of most US beekeeping 'advice'.