Ive been in barn re-building land...... getting back to concentrating on ordering supplies for the first 2 hives in Spring. So I sit here sweaty and stinky and need some advice. Any pointers? What about starter kits? Economical or a waste of money?
hummm, it pays of to live near a bee-equipment store (which i don't) but....you'll NEVER EVER gonna buy ALL that you need in one piece. beeks are like...hmmm, well they always come back begging for more, LOL.
I HEARD that starter kits are of no much good use but...that's what i heard.
a must:
-hive tool
-veil
i could live without much of the other stuff, but not my veil also it would be great to have a smoker i guess (for you i mean)
Mici...I want to know about my hive components, since I already have my super-duper hive tool and my white cocktail dress/ bee suit and veil. I think I will use a cigar instead of a smoker.........Lol.
forget the starter kits. smoker, veil, bee brush, hive tool. these are the accessories you need.
I believe she is wanting to know about getting the " economical woodenware" instead of getting the better woodenware.
My estimate is get the better wooodenware and paint it with a primer and good paint that way it will last a lot longer.
Send for it early and do the work during the winter months that way you are ready for the package bees in the spring.
i would get the economical woodenware and paint it. but try to buy it locally because the shipping for heavy stuff is...well....heavy.
Beehive Lane,
We have a local Beekeepers Association here in the Raytown area. I know it is a bit far for you to drive, however our club has alot of very seasoned beekeepers that can really help out with what you need to get started. They also offer a Beeginners Beekeeping course in the early spring.
Also I know a gal that just got out of Beekeeping that has a honey extractor she wants to part with.
Let me know if you want more info on the beekeepers info and I will get it out to you. Also you can stop by the state fair this coming Saturday if you like. I will be there working the State Beekeepers Association's Honey Booth with my wife. We will be more than happy to talk with you about stuff and answer any questions we possibly can.
Brian
Brian, good idea, the kids will love the fair, and I need a break from the barn. I spoke to Bob and Joyce this Spring, but was a month late for the bee keeping course. I will find you Saturday.
Colleen and I will be at the booth in the morning. Scheduled between 9-1. We will also have our youngsters there with us.
See ya then.
"...very seasoned beekeepers" hope they don't use too much salt in that seasoning... ;)
"...advice on ordering supplies for the first 2 hives in Spring". Starter kits do typically, if not always = waste of money. These are the first two hives ever or just two additional hives planned for Spring? There's lots of great resources (this forum, books, other beeks, etc.,) for starter shopping lists: hive bodies, SBB, covers, frames, suit/veil/gloves, tool, smoker (cigar idea is awesome, heh!) with lots of options. When I was making my list and deciding on which it was a one component at a time evaluation (e.g. deeps or meds for brood chambers, what type of foundation, etc., etc.,) in order to ensure I was getting the best solution/set-up. It may have made it a wee bit more involved but I've found it best to know as much as you can prior to making purchases (& beeking isn't really that complicated).
Best of success to you and enjoy yourself!!
When you start out keep an inventory of everything you buy. I wish I had been better at this. Then you know exactly what you have if you start to expand and need to order more supplies. The shipping really gets you and if I had been more forward thinking I would have ordered much more at first instead of having a bunch of small orders.
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnewbees.htm