Hello, I am a new member and new beekeeper from San Marcos, TX. I have had an interest in beekeeping for a couple of years now and finally pulled the trigger. I found a fellow with a complete backyard hive in Austin, Tx how just found out his girlfriend was allergic to bee due to a sting to he needed to get rid of his hive. I bought the hive (started last spring) plus all the equipment including a brand new Mann Lake Honey Maker full suit, smoker, hive tool, two extra brand new un-assembled medium bodies, 20 medium frames with foundation, and a separate hat and veil. Paid $350 for it all plus a promise of the first jar of honey from the hive since he never got to harvest. The hive is all medium 10 frame and came with a SBB, 3 medium frames with drawn comb, and a top feeder with telescopic cover. Unfortunately it has been too cold to do a thorough inspection but I have a mentor who has been keeping for 40 years and I took him with me to check it out and bring it home. We did take the top off took a quick look and had brood and based on the weight, he thought it was a good hive. Of course I know I am taking a chance but that is ok!
I am now planning to start two new hives this spring with either Nucs or package bees. I am a professional woodworker with a full wood shop so I am going to build my own boxes for the other two hives. A local lumberyard is going out of business so I went there yesterday and bought 10 1x12x16 #2 white pine for $5 each! Should be able to make a few boxes out of that!
Anyway, thank you for allowed me to join in and I look forward to participating and probably asking a lot of questions!
Howdy! It sounds like a bummer for him, but a good deal for you. I'm sure you will enjoy it once it warms up.
Welcome to Beemaster!
Sweet deal on the 1x12's - going rate up here is a little over $2 a foot...
Welcome to Beemaster!
Sounds like you got a very good deal, both of them. You might want to go back and get some more wood at that price if there is any left. You are close to paying what I pay for sawing logs into rough cut boards.
It is great that you have a mentor right from the start. Most of us have had to read and teach our selves.
Jim
Welcome
I was wondering who got the hive in that Craigslist ad! I contacted that seller as well, but got no response--looks like you beat me to it. Good luck!
kourt