Newbie - biggest challenge

[chickenwing654]

Hi

Newbie here.  Wondering what the biggest challenge you know now,  that you wish you new more about when you first got into beekeeping?

Everyone on here has been great with their suggestions.  Thanks again.

I've been told that getting bees thru the first winter would be my biggest challenge in the North East (Maine).  Do you agree with that?

Condensation would trump being cold.


I am now researching the mites aspect that could wipe out the hive.

Thanks
David

[Michael Bush]

>Condensation would trump being cold.

When you are wet and it is cold, then you are even colder...

[jayj200]

Mike doesn't tell you about follower boards on both ends to help dirrect the moisture away from the central core or cluster of the hive

[iddee]

First, you have to get them TO the winter. I think too many newbees act before knowing why, thus killing the hive. ""If not sure, do nothing"" is a great saying in the bee world. Too often, I hear  "So and so said', or " I read"  Know for sure why before doing.

[OldMech]

What Iddee said.   I also believe the biggest challenge for most new beekeepers is to stick to the BASICS of beekeeping to get your hive through the first year.   Ignoring the fancy stuff, the advanced stuff, and the strange stuff.........

[BlueBee]

I'll second that.  Just get a normal setup for your area and gain the experience you'll need to get the bees through a year.  Once you've made all the mistakes we all make, you'll be more than qualified to attempt any method of keeping your heart desires.  If you despise a conventional setup, just resell it to the next newbee when you're done. 

Sometimes what sounds like a great idea on a computer forum, doesn't really seem so great after you've got a little experience.  Hence, keep an open mind.  Nothing is set in stone with the bees; just the bee keepers 

[thewhiterhino]

The first year you are a beehaver.
after a successful overwinter you become a beekeeper.

[Curtchann]

Keeping it simple is the way for me, over think and that's when the train derails.........