Nuc's and equipment are ordered...

[PhillyJoe]

I'm pretty excited about my bee journey. I placed my order for 2 - 2015 Nuc's and ordered my hives/supplies from the local beekeeping club in my area.

Question: Do I prime the supers with kilz or just put two coats of outdoor latex paint?

Thx

PhillyJoe

[dvingmikeboats]

Hey Joe,

Very cool yer finally getting going.  I just started last spring myself.  Many great opinions here.  I've learned so much from just lurking.

I found it cost's a bit more than I was counting on getting started and up to a level where I think I'll have healthy hives next spring.  I would suggest saving the cash for other things you'll need and use leftover house paint for the hive boxes.  It last's plenty long enough.

You're in for a fun summer.

[PhillyJoe]

Dvingmikeboats,

Thanks for the reply. I have plenty of left over house paint. I actually never even thought of using that.. I am already saving money :).

I have purchased 12 mediums supers. I decided to keep them all the same size and not have to worry about different frames, etc.

I didn't just decide on whim to start beekeeping. I have been enjoying watching and learning from my father in law for years. (the reason I am telling you that is the next paragraph :))

I planned on starting out with 2 hives (that's what I have already purchased). Would having 3 to start be too much or would you guys/gals suggest sticking with two?

Thx,

Joe

[dvingmikeboats]

I wish I'd started with all mediums.  It does give you more options when moving things around.  I started with 2 packages and 4 deeps which I've increased to 4 1/2 colonies over the summer.  3 are real strong and the others are coming along.  I'm building only mediums now and the deep frames are a PITA but there you go.

For me two hives was plenty to keep me on the steep side of the learning curve all summer but with your background you could probably go bigger.

Mike

[GSF]

Philly; I'm not saying this is the only way to do it, but I primed mine with the white Kiltz and painted them white. They sure look good to. However; I've heard others on here say they swing by the big box stores and buy the rejected paint. That's the paint that quite didn't come out to the right color when they mixed it. If they want X dollars for it, ask for a manger and make a counter offer. If that don't work ask what paint here would you give me a discount on? Look at your wife and say "Lets try over at ____." Make sure you come across as if you're thinking out loud, then thank them for their time as you slowly start easing away. If none of that works then maybe become interested in something else in that department. Give them time to think about it. If all else fails you can always come back later and try the same thing when a different manager is on board or just buy the stuff.

The real deal is the bees don't care what color the hives are - but we do. It has also been suggested if you're placing them in an out yard then choose a color that would prevent it from sticking out like a white box does. Then there's selecting the color because it absorbs heat thinking.
I hope yall enjoy your bees as much as everyone else does. I'm about 15 months into it.

[PhillyJoe]

Thx for the input guys..

Tonight I was making some stands for my hives and my neighbor and her kids came over to play in the yard. My son (5) says "dad's making beehives so we can raise some bee's". The neighbor with her two little ones says "oh I don't think thats such a great idea".

I never responded and just kept working.. Now I'm researching "How to talk to you neighbors about bee's!" Haha.. Any help there would be great.

Joe

[GSF]

Usually a pint of honey will mend things.

[BeeMaster2]

Philly,
I made the mistake of telling all of my neighbors before I started. All but one were fine with the idea, I had bees in one neighbors yard. The last one went biserk. Threw insults my way for a couple of weeks. I eventually gave his wife a pint of honey and I don't hear any more complaints. I do keep the hives away from his side of my yard. That by the way is the only sunny area that I have in my yard.
Jim

[jalentour]

Philly,
I purchased a gallon of exterior paint from Sherman Williams for $3.00.  They seemed to be glad to get rid of it.  Had several gallons to choose from.  I started with two hives.  Seems like a good number to start with.  You can get adventuresome and try some splits early summer.  Read this Forum and don't be afraid to ask questions. 
Joe