im goin to try and start to bee keep this year and i am making 2 hives out of poplar then painting then...how many pounds of bees will i need to start these 2 hives
Some people sell 2lb packages and a queen. I've heard (don't know from experience) that 3lbs+queen are better. Gives you about 3,000 more bees to start with.
Chances are some local bee club knows of or arranges for a truckload of packages. Whatever they are they are probably appropriate for your climate and situation. They tend to be 3 or 4 pounds packages usually. If you can't find the local club then you're stuck with mail order. Then I prefer a bigger package since the post office is liable to kill half of them anyway...
Achunter put down where you live in a reply and someone here can better help you.
I too am statring this year with only 1 hive and I am getting a 3lb pack w/Queen that I am picking up On April 14th.
I am picking mine up at a Bee Yard not thur the mail.
If you are in Massachusetts Nebees.com has 2 loads coming from Rossmans in Ga. 1 load April 14th and 1 the 21st
im around harrisburg pa
Bjorn (from Beesource) has an apiary near Harrisburg and sells nucs I believe. That would be a good start for you. You might even talk him into shaking out a package later in the year (I'm guessing that the hives are a bit shy on bees early in the Spring).
Just curious why you're making the hives out of poplar? I've never tried it, but I know poplar is a very poor wood for outdoor use. It is cheep though.
Quote from: achunter on January 27, 2008, 07:42:10 PM
im around harrisburg pa
I recommend you get involved with a local beekeeping group:
http://www.pastatebeekeepers.org/Reports/Map/2007%20Contacts%20and%20Inspectors.html
Check for beginning beekeeping classes. Get to know some local beekeepers. Find someone to mentor you.
During these winter months, read, read, read. Get some beekeeping books (check your library). Spend time reading the online bee forums. There are several online tutorials. Be sure to read Michael Bush's site:
http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm
Achunter. Welcome to our forum. YOu are on the right road to get lots of wonderful information and answers to any question that you might need answered, ask any question, never think that a question does not deserve an answer, it does. We are a forum full of new, beginning beekeepers and beekeepers that have been keeping bees for mostly all of their life. A great place to spend lots of good quality time, enjoy your visits here, we love and welcome new members. Have the most wonderful and best of this day, Cindi
wtiger.....1 coat oil base primer 2 coats laytex...dosnt matter what wood ya use that combo will seal anything...my dad paints and is a shop teacher for a living haha