Hello from McMinnville, Or.

[Muddyvalley]

Greetings all!
I retired from my business as an artist making cathedral windows in Florida to move back to Oregon and live on the family farm.

We've had a "wild" hive in the eave of our 100+yo farmhouse for around 40 years, and one in the barn wall for at least 5 years. While both were replaced by yellow jackets last year, they were repopulated by honey bees this spring. I have recently been given a langstroth hive. I was told it was empty, but arrived to pick it up and found not only a large colony of ants (it was sitting on the mud, by a garden), but bees as well. The colony was weak largely because I had to move it during the day.  My native bees (and yellowjackets) tried to rob it. I restricted the entrance and so far they are doing ok. They seem to have plenty of honey for the winter.
So, I am learning all I can about honey bees. I have met a local bee keeper in the next valley and he has been very helpful.
Regards!
Victor

[Kathyp]

welcome.  there are a lot of beekeepers in OR.  here is a fb page also.  you have others in your neighborhood.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/530750380306969/

there's also a beemaster fb page

[Joe D]

Welcome to the forum, Victor.  If you have questions, just post it, someone will usually give you an answer.  You can probably get some good info from your neighbor.  Good luck to you and your bees.



Joe

[tefer2]

Interesting hobby isn't it Victor? Your probably hooked by now. Welcome to the forum.

[rwlaw]

Greetings from Michigan Victor, sounds like you've got a lot of feral stock to have two swarms settle in one area like that. Good luck!

[Muddyvalley]

Thanks everyone!   I'm hooked.  I started collecting information & hardware when I watched the barn wall hive swarm and I had nothing to put it in. It was on a small plum tree and easy to get to. Next year I'll be ready. Now I have to add an electric fence around my hive as I have lots of bears showing upon my game cameras nearby..

[JPinMO]

Welcome, Victor!