Beekeeping in Chile

[chilebound]

hi,

i currently live in london, but plan to move to chile with my husband. Be are interested in creating a sustainable life, growing foods, herbs for medicine, animals, solar energy etc. ( which means a lot of study for me, as i am a city girl without a windowbox). In my research i have been looking into beekeeping as we are huge honey fans, plus beeswax pollen etc all very usweful product. i am falling in love with bees the more i read, and i especially appreciate the blogs. what i am looking for is info specifically relating to the risks, production, deseases, regulations, methods etc in Southern Chile south America, (anything in english-also have to learn spanish). If anyone can help, with links or stories etc, it would be much appreciated.

[Understudy]

Well you decided to jump in with both feet.
First update your profile with where you currently are and then when you move change it again. If you have internet access where you are in Chile.
I would recommend you get in contact with a member we have who goes by Tropic.
Tropic's profile

He deals with S. American Bees a lot. We have other members who also have beekeepers in South America. You can see member maps here.

From my limited understanding is that all bees in S. America are considered AHB(Africanized Honey Bees). However depending on climate and elevation that may have an effect.

You will need to become familar with the indeginious plant life and it's growth cycles. In paticular to bee or butterfly friendly plants. You will also want to see what fruit and veggie plants will grow well in your area. Chile has a wide range of elevations and terrains. You may end up in a rain forest you may end up on a mountain side facing the antartic.

Grab a copy of Rosetta Stone Spanish program. It is is expensive but the best way to learn to spanish. However you will need to learn that spanish has dialects. I certainly don't speak english the same way as you brits do.

As far as bee diseases go I would check with a S. American mentor for specifics but I suspect you are dealing with many of the same as the rest of us.

For good beekeeping practice I would check out member Michael Bush's website. A wonderful source of information.

I would also check out Linda's Beekeeping Blog which is run by another member here tillie.

Well that is enough for a start.

Welcome aboard.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[patrickp]

That sounds awesome!  Be sure to stick around and keep us updated on your lifestyle down there.  Provided of course that you do have internet...

[Kathyp]

something else that might help with your overall life style change.

keep an eye out for old books on gardening, animal husbandry, etc.  i have collected a few from ebay.  if you have to get back to basics at some point, these books are good references.  i know Chile is not the moon, but you may find that some of the things you take for granted at home are not available.  old fashioned substitutions work  :-)