Unpredictable spring in Denver, when to start?

[John in Denver]

Hello forum,
  I have been thinking for a great while about keeping bees. I am thinking of starting next spring which will give me all winter to read
up on what to do, etc, etc.

My question is that in Denver you never know when the last snowfall / coldsnap is, and I dont know how late I should leave it in the year to start a hive.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Regards

John

[Jerrymac]

I'm down below you a bit on the map, so don't know how to answer your question. Just will welcome you to the forum.........

And really, with a screen name like that......

Well.....

OH  :?  I'll leave it to Bigrog

[Miss Chick-a-BEE]

I used to live in/around Denver, so I know what you mean about the weather. But your choice as to when to start bees is actually determined more on - when you can buy bees, and how much summer is left to build up stores. I know you don't plan to start till next year, but I still mention the summer part because you just wouldn't want to start too late.

About the weather....
Denver, or Colorado itself, is VERY unpredictable with weather. It could be beautiful in January, but snowing badly enough in the foothills on July 4th to cancel any party. And that time of the year when the weather doesn't know what to do - giving you rain that turns to ice - could be quite rough on bees. Out of all types of weather possibilities, the worst conditions inside a hive are "wet and very cold".

Your best option might be to talk to other beekeepers in your state and find out how they protect their own bees from the wet & extremely cold hive. You might have to treat the hives like you do yourself concerning Colorado weather - be prepared for anything on any day. You know how it is there..... a wise Coloradoan never goes out without a minimum of a lightly insulated rain protected coat. It can go from roasting to freezing rain in an instant. So your bee yard might have some instant protection within reach, and a way to instantly ventilate the hive.

I'm thinking and writing at the same time, so bear with me. :) I'd say that you should plan for your bees like normal - possibly order and pay for the bees in the winter before they sell out in the early spring. Around March and April it can be nearly impossible to find bees, and usually stays that way until June or July. It's that way for all beekeepers, and has to do with the breeding scedule of bees. Start your bees like anyone else would, but plan your bee yard and "protective supplies" for the conditions you have - sunny spot, good air flow area without massive wind, maybe tar paper wraps available.

By the way, where around Denver are you living? If right in Denver (and if you don't mind telling) give me some close cross roads. I lived there for about 30 years (I'm 36 now), anywhere from Denver, Lakewood, Littleton, Englewood...... have family in Morrison and Idledale..... also lived in Paonia (mom still lives there) and Crawford. Both of those towns are sorta by Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction. And my kids are living in Vail right now. I'm hoping your not right in the city or suburbs. Your neighbors might not be too happy with the bees with such small yards all close together. And city ordinances might not allow it.

Hello to you in Colorado & welcome to the forum,
Beth

[FrogPond]

John, welcome! I followed the same process you describe and this is the first year I actually DID something beside read about the bees. Here is what I found out... DOING makes everything you read "fall in to place" a lot better than reading! But the reading and research was essential, and this group is very helpful.

I did not start my bees until May - I would think you are free and clear by then. Don't expect any honey the first year. I might get some from one hive and that would be a nice bonus, but this seems to be a two year start up process!

Try to find the local (or closest) Ag Extension office and call them. They will know a lot about bees in your area and might be able to connect you to someone with very specific, local knowledge. And the service from Ag Extention is free!

Good luck and welcome to the group. I have learned a lot, contributed little, and really enjoy the hobby. I think you will be happy making the jump!

Thank God I'm a country boy...  

[thegolfpsycho]

I'm in a fairly similar weather pattern as you are.  We had 8 inches of snow on June 6, and now, the temps are testing the century mark with overnite lows around 70.  I started 10 packages on 15 April.  I did jump start them with some drawn comb and some brood frames from my other colonys, but they are all doing well, and a couple of them are monsters in 4 deeps already.

[John in Denver]

Thanks to all,
Miss chick a bee, I just moved to south Aurora near the hampton / tower road intersection. I am not a Coloradoan but a born and raised Londoner that has been state side for a few years.
I have a fairly large yard with great neighbours so I will probably ask first before I take the plunge to see if they are ok with it. The Honey though a motivator is not my main reason for doing this, more si to educate my young uns with a bit of nature. I dont care that I dont get a honey crop for the first year so, I would just like me girls to thrive.

Golfpsycho, so would you recomend starting a hive perhaps in April?

Thanks to all

[thegolfpsycho]

MId April worked well for me.  There were some no fly days, with marginal weather, but I was feeding the first 2 weeks, and I put a terrarium heater ala the Finman in the starts.  I saw no developement issues that would make me think it was too soon.  Fruit trees were blooming and the bees were on them like ugly on an ape.

[Miss Chick-a-BEE]

John in Denver-
I sorta know that area. My sister lived in Aurora, but I didn't go on that side of town often. For the most part the people that live on that side of town are pretty nice though, so they'll probably be fine with bees.
Good luck with your bee adventure. :) It's a wonderful hobby, and definately a good way to teach the kids about nature.

Beth

[Michael Bush]

I would buy a package from a reputable dealer and take them as early as you can get them and feed them constantly until there is a flow of some kind.  Or buy a nuc from a local beekeeper.