What list of extras should I have ready for use?

[CliffDale]

For my first year, Im not sure what I should have as handy stand by's.

I have so far 2 nationals with 2 supers on each hive . 2 nucs are arriving towards the end of the month. Am I likely to need a 3rd super and more frames?


All I need to order so far are 2 feeder buckets. I'm thinking of topping up the order with other essentials.

Will I need things like oxalic acid etc?

I would be grateful for a list of essentials!

Also is there a well rated company to order from?

So far I have hive tools, smoker and bee suits.

Im ready to order a couple of feeder buckets, plus a list of recommendations but not sure where to order from.

Cliff

 

[Cazza]

Hi CliffDale
Have a look at Pete's inspection video (?21st May 2009)
Don't forget queen excluders.
Cazza

 

[darrenperrett]

Hi Cliff.
If your bees expand well you may end up on brood & 1/2 so that would only leave you 1 super each for honey. It depends on the bees and the weather, so yes, I personally would have a couple more.

Whereabouts are you in Cornwall ? I`ve always got spare Oxalic etc.

You`ll also need a spare hive toll plus another spare hive tool

Queen marking equipment, although I would imagine yours will come marked this year anyway.

Plenty of sugar.

Darren.

 

[tonybloke]

scissors for queen clipping, a queen cage of some sort for marking, some form of hive record cards.

 

[CliffDale]

Hi Darren.

I live close to St Austell.

OK, add 2 supers and frames to the list with the spacers.

So, if I make a super into a brood box, would I use different size spacers?

I have the excluders ready in the hives.

Can you recommend a good on line site to order from. The only one I know is Thornes.

Cliff

 

[CliffDale]

I would need help with queen clipping! I'm sure I will find a local bee keeper for some help with this.
Cliff

 

[tonybloke]

give national bee supplies http://www.beekeeping.co.uk/products.htm a look.

 

[BKF Admin]

There is Maismore and fragil planet etc but I only use Thornes for frames as they always fit well,you pays your money.

For foundation most members highly recommend Peter Kemble:http://www.kemble-bees.com

For Langstroth stuff we have member Rooftops at Modern Beekeeping: http://www.modernbeekeeping.co.uk

For queen bits member Marcros at: http://www.buzzybeeshop.co.uk

 

[Poly Hive]

You can use a brood as a super but you cannot turn a super into a brood.

Small cannot be made big.

PH

 

[CliffDale]

Thanks.

I also read a few weeks back that KBS foundation is brilliant, well worth paying a bit more for it.

Is it worth splitting the order and get separate foundation? It all looks the same to me! (may be not to a bee though)!

Cliff

 

[CliffDale]

Would it be wise to have extra brood boxes handy with frames?

If they are not used in the first year, they will sure come in handy next spring.

Cliff

 

[Hivemaker.]

Cliff,you don't pay more for KBS foundation,you pay a lot less, and get better foundation.

 

[MuswellMetro]

i would make a 75mm eke, simple four bits of 19mm wood to make a 460mm square

you will need something like it as a apiguard thymol treatment eke for varroa in september and a 75mm eke converts a super to a brood in an emergency

have you got a manipulation cloth to cover the bees and put them in darkeness while you examine one frame more closely?

somewhere to place a frame, when you manipulate the rest..some use a frame holder, i use a Nuc as i can put them in darkness or split them at any time, which duplicates up as my travelling tool box ( i have my tools and bits in a carrier bag in it)

water bottle spray /sugar water spray..make them think its raining

 

[thedeaddiplomat]

I also find a bee brush and one of those forks for hoisting out drone larvae useful.