hello from a new member

[Beepah]

Hi,

Greetings!  Completely new to the bee world.  No hives yet; I'm signed-up for a local "bee school" this winter and am planning on two hives in the spring.  I've already learned quite a bit from this forum; congrats on maintaining a friendly tone.  Hopefully in time I'll have some experiences to contribute.

Thanks,
Kevin
"Beepah"
Future suburban beekeeper, western MA, USA

[Acebird]

Welcome,  Have you ordered or started to build any hives?

[Beepah]

>Have you ordered or started to build any hives?
I have not.  Ordering soon though.  Construction will be during snow.

[herbhome]

Welcome to this crazy fun world!

[BeeMaster2]

Welcome to Beemaster.
How are you going to get bees? If you are going to buy a Nuc or a package, you need to do that now. If you do, first ask what they treat their bees with. If they use antibiotics, walk away. If you do not want to use any chemicals, find a seller that does not treat. You will need to use what ever the seller uses to keep you bees alive the first few years.
Your best bet is to set swarm traps and catch a feral hives.
Good luck.
Jim

[Beepah]

Welcome to this crazy fun world!

Thanks!

Welcome to Beemaster.
How are you going to get bees? If you are going to buy a Nuc or a package, you need to do that now. If you do, first ask what they treat their bees with. If they use antibiotics, walk away. If you do not want to use any chemicals, find a seller that does not treat. You will need to use what ever the seller uses to keep you bees alive the first few years.
Your best bet is to set swarm traps and catch a feral hives.
Good luck.
Jim

I'm planning two hives and I'm thinking one Nuc and one package, that way I get a little experience with each. (That one-each plan is open to discussion.)  I haven't placed any orders yet.  My original bee-sourcing plan was to wait until the first day of "bee school" in January to get some local and in-person advice.  At this point though I honestly don't think I'll be able to wait.  I think what is really going to happen is I'm going to post a question or two here and then place orders, most likely with some local beeks (<- did I use that right?  )

[BeeMaster2]

I was trying to say, place your orders now, not purchase them now.
Getting your bees that sells bees that he raises is a good idea. Next best are bees that have a locally grown/ read queen.

[Acebird]

I'm planning two hives and I'm thinking one Nuc and one package, that way I get a little experience with each.

That is not a bad plan.  I agree with Jim.  Order now or soon because you may not be able to get the nuc.  Another thing, just cus you order doesn't mean you will get them at the normal time.  Depending on over winter results there may not be any to get.  Packages are easier to get because they come from CA or GA after pollination contracts.  Are you young or old?  I ask because the size of the equipment matters.