Hi ya'll,
I'm very new to both beekeeping and forums, this'll be my first post ever, even though I've been lurking around for months. We installed our two packages of Italians about four days ago, into our ten frame deeps, out in the backyard. They've been going through about a quart of syrup per day, and working in the gardens at least a little bit. We'll do our first inspection today or tomorrow, which ever has the more suitable weather. That will no doubt generate a ton of questions :)
In addition to all the usual newbee challenges we have not as much forage as would be ideal (not much growing out there on the bay, although there are scads of weedy little islands, well within even a two mile range) and the potential for tropical cyclones. I can't wait to show up at the in-laws with three cats, two collies, and many thousands of bees....
Anyway, I've found all the information here to be invaluable-our bees thank you!
Hello and Welcome!
I believe you'll find this forum a great place to find answers to your beekeeping questions. I tell all the newbees pretty much the same things:
1) Update your profile to show your location. Much of beekeeping is location-specific. Many times the "best practice" for a southern beek will be considerably different than what we do up north. We'll be able to answer your questions much better if we know your location.
2) Get connected with a local beekeeping club. Find a mentor. Get to know some beeks who live nearby. Reading about bees in books and online is one thing; going thru a hive with an experienced beekeeper is a whole different learning experience. Here's a link for Texas bee clubs:
http://www.texasbeekeepers.org/indexDynFrames.htm?
http://www.texasbeekeepers.org/Directories/TBA%20Chapters.htm&1
3) Lastly, I use the 'search' function on this forum a lot. Many times I'll have a question and I can find an immediate answer because it's already been asked and discussed before.
We look forward to hearing about your adventures in beekeeping!
Islewx. Welcome to our forum, yes, update your location in your profile, that way we will know that area you keep bees in. For your first posting, you are doing just excellently. Yep, you will have questions and more questions, ask away, always remember that all questions are good ones and they deserve and will get great answers, that is how we learn. We were all once beginning beekeepers too. Enjoy your stay with us, tell us your experiences, we are a nosey bunch (especially me) and I love to hear what new beekeepers are up to. Have the best of a most wonderful day, Cindi
Welcome.