In the beginning...

[hellbenthoneybee]

Hi, I'm the newest of the new at all of this, It's something I've always wanted to do and am now in a posion to be able to start thinking about getting a hive. I know it is very delicate work but I'd appreciate any input or incouragement. Thanks

[CapeCod]

Welcome,,,Nebees.com may still have some package bees left for April delivery.
They are in Tynsboro Massachusetts.
He also has all the wooden wear and equipment you would need for your new hive.

[Understudy]

Welcome to the forums.

In order to help you I recommend the following.

Find and join your local beekeepers club.

Read http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnewbees.htm

And post lots of your questions here.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[pdmattox]

Welcome to the forum. Beekeeping is not that hard and is worth all the effort and investment. I would suggest either getting a established hive or a nuc and getting two of them so to compare and learn. If it is something you want to do then just do it. We all will help you along the way.

[annette]

Hello,

I am from Placerville, California and I welcome you to the world of beekeeping. The first thing I think you should do would be to read some books on beekeeping, and yes try to hook up with a mentor. Someone who can show you a little about handling hives, etc. Find your local association and go to the meetings and find out about taking a beekeeping class. If you do all this, you will be ready for the next step and that is obtaining your equipment and bees.
Stay in touch here and post any questions you have. We are here to help you

Sincerely
Annette

[buzzbee]

If you like simple reading get Beekeeping for Dummies. It's very basic and easy to follow. If you want something more complicated see Dadants The Hive and the Honeybee.It's available in most libraries I've been to.
Heres another site you can check out.
http://maarec.cas.psu.edu/

As far as equipment,Id get all medium boxes for interchangeability and less weight. I use a beejacket with Zip on hood,get the largest smoker you can afford,they work better than the economy small one (and not much more money).And get mouse guards to put on in early fall(Important,but often overlooked).A hive tool is a necessity and a bee brush is very handy.

[Brian D. Bray]

If you were closer I'd offer to mentor but my wife would get jealous.  Try to find a mentor, the best place in the local beekeepers association.

[beesbeesbees]

I agree.  Find a mentor. 

Also, start now.  Start yesterday if you can.  Get your bees and woodenware ordered right away.  Bees do what bees do.  You should read everything you can but ultimately the bees will do the teaching.  Try not to worry about them.  They do quite well without us.

[hellbenthoneybee]

Thanks everybody, I think I'll start slow, I don't want to hurt any bees with my lack of bee smarts!