New Beekeeper questions

Brooklyn · November 15, 2009, 04:33:51 PM

Hello I am thinking of beekeeping as a hobby. I live in a small neighborhood with 1/2 acre lots. About 500 yards from my house there is a very large pond. Surrounding the area is all kinds of farming and peach orchards all with in 4 miles or less.

I would like to start off small in my back yard
We try to do all organic gardening. We have two plum trees a raised bed for vegetables and all kinds of flowers, roses etc...
The back end of the property we have kept it kind of natural with flowers and trees we have planted with the natural flora.

We have a pool that uses very little chemicals, we use salt to chlorinate it and an originator to help it stay clean. We use less salt then in my tap water.

We have two boxers that enjoy the back area of the yard. would there be any harm to start a bee hive will the bees and dogs co exists? Should I look for some other place to put the bees? I live in South Carolina USA.

Thanks for the help
Brooklyn

annette · November 15, 2009, 05:14:34 PM

Welcome Brooklyn,

For a minute there I thought you were from Brooklyn New York (that's where I was born)

It sounds like you have a wonderful environment for beekeeping with all the gardens,orchards and property . I am not sure about the doggies. I know many beeks here on this forum have bees and doggies and it works out fine. In fact I have my bees on my friends property up the block from me and he has a dog that just knows not to get to close to the beehives. Even if I call him to come closer he will not come close.(maybe he already got stung)

It might depend how close the hives are going to be from the dogs. If the dogs can keep a good distance on the other side of the yard, etc. I know sometimes bees will sting dogs before they will sting people. Maybe it is the smell of the doggies.

Wait to hear from more experienced people on this matter.

Anyway, welcome to the world of keeping bees that you will fall in love with.

Annette

weBEE Jammin · November 15, 2009, 05:53:59 PM

I have two blonde Cocker Spaniels around my bees that I keep on the property with no problems. I think the dogs learn quickly how close they can get? I have always been told and would also recommend to start out with two hives. If one gets sick you can join them, or if you lose one you still have another. It is not as dramatic as losing your only hive.

phill · November 15, 2009, 06:16:44 PM

If your dogs are like mine, they'll learn quickly to keep a safe distance from the hive. It only takes once...

JP · November 15, 2009, 06:22:28 PM

Sounds like a good set up, don't worry about the dogs. As long as they are not chained up (this would include any animal) they will learn by association. You have a green light, GO!

...JP

lakeman · November 15, 2009, 06:37:48 PM

Welcome brooklyn, where do you live in South Carolina?

Robo · November 15, 2009, 06:59:50 PM

The biggest threat to your dogs is them stepping on bees in the yard. Black dogs have a little bit harder time too. When the bees are moody, black is not their favorite color. But as everyone else has suggested, the dogs will learn how close they can get. My black lab goes to the bee yards with me all the time. She loves to ride and when we get there, she roams around but knows to keep her distance from the hives.

Brooklyn · November 15, 2009, 07:12:31 PM

Lexington

bee-nuts · November 15, 2009, 07:54:28 PM

I would start with two or three hives if you can afford all the equipment. If you have close neighbors I would try to keep them out of sight out of mind. Sounds like you have a good environment for them.

Good Luck

Bee Whisper82 · November 25, 2009, 01:34:17 PM

It sounds like you have very good place for bees with all the fruit trees and plants. I hope you get set up and on your way. I really think you are going to enjoy every minute of it, I sure do. The dogs are going to be ok I have a black lab that is about 3 yards from one of my hives and they don't bother him. Happy beekeeping this coming up year.

Mason · November 25, 2009, 05:29:12 PM

It was my first year,

I took the advice and started with two hives and was glad I did. One (of many) mistakes I did make was that I got a cheapo vale. Get a decent one.

I am having a blast with my bees.

Dive in..........

buzzbee · November 25, 2009, 06:51:55 PM

Also be sure none of the close neighbors have an animal confined outdoors. Otherwise you should be okay as long as no real small children have unsupervised access to your hives.