Question # 2

[ratman]

Do you need a special permit to raise bees and what is the best hive to start off with ?

[Michael Bush]

>Do you need a special permit to raise bees

That depends on your state and local laws.  There is no one answer.

>...and what is the best hive to start off with ?

Lot's of opinions on that.  Some like a Warre' or a top bar hive.  The advantages to those, if you are a DIY kind of person are that they are easy to build.  I like my all eight frame medium Langstroth hives.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesoptions.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnewbees.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm#uniformframesize

[OldMech]

  I like all ten frame Langstroth medium hives..   Others will all give you different answers. Do some research and see what YOU think will fit you, your physical abilities etc.

   http://www.outyard.net/index.html

   Talk to local beekeepers if you can find them for the best local advice, find a local club, and dont be afraid to ask questions here!
   I know several beekeepers that got started using Deep hive bodis for the brood chamber, and mediums for honey supers...  the reason they started that way is because thats what they though they were supposed to do...  The box size doesnt really matter.  I know an elderly fellow that uses 8 frame shallow equipment. His reason, is beause he CANT lift much anymore, and he didnt want to get rid of his bees...  He had seven hives the last time I was at his place, and is doing very well with them.
    Few things about beekeeping need to be done a certain way. Anyone that tells you that you HAVE to do it XXX way then seek advice elsewhere. One of the hardest things about getting started is information overload..  there are so many possibilities that it is sometimes hard to sort out...    Learn a good basic method to keep your bees, and start there, then worry about all the other hoo haa once your feeling a bit more comfortable!
   Good Luck! Hope to see more questions soon!

[D Coates]

Ask 10 beekeepers a question and you'll get at least 10 different answers.  Some will invariably be outright wrong (take things with a grain of salt, especially on the internet) but the majority will simply be different.  That's the great thing about beekeeping, do what works for you and your respective abilities.  Keep in mind if you keep failing at something you probably need to consider alternative options instead of repeating what you've done prior.

[BeeMaster2]

"what is the best hive to start off with ? "
I started with 10 frame deeps and shallows. That is what Beekeeping for Dummies said and had for plans. My second year I started converting to all mediums. Being in my 60s npw, I wish I had all 8 frame mediums.
Jim

[hjon71]

There is no "Best" hive.
The reason being, what's best for me may not be best for you.
I'm not particularly old and I much prefer handling medium boxes to deeps. An added advantage is frames are interchangeable between all boxes.
Also, The amount of time you want to spend managing your hive may be an important part of your choice.

Learn a good basic method to keep your bees, and start there, then worry about all the other hoo haa once your feeling a bit more comfortable!
   Good Luck! Hope to see more questions soon!

I agree. Only forget the hoohaa.

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