Just getting started!

[jgcity2000]

Hello all!
I am new to beekeeping, well, I dont even have any bees or hives yet. But, by this summer or late next summer, I hope to have some hives and bees and be able to harvest the honey. I would like to gather as much info about beekeeping in general as I can. Here are some of my questions:
-Where is a good place to buy all of the supplies I need
-How do I set-up the hives
-How do I havest the honey

And any other things a begginer needs to know!

Thanks in advance for the help!

[Understudy]

Hello all!
I am new to beekeeping, well, I dont even have any bees or hives yet. But, by this summer or late next summer, I hope to have some hives and bees and be able to harvest the honey. I would like to gather as much info about beekeeping in general as I can. Here are some of my questions:
-Where is a good place to buy all of the supplies I need
-How do I set-up the hives
-How do I havest the honey

And any other things a begginer needs to know!

Thanks in advance for the help!

Welcome aboard!
I recommend reading http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm to start with.

Standard items I can share.
Like the the cover to the Hitchhikers Guide reads "Don't Panic!"
1. You will occasionally get stung , it happens. If you handle your bees correctly this will be kept to a minimum.
2. Start small, don't try to run a cooperation.
3. Have fun. This is fun even when getting stung , which is really funny.
4. When you get started write stuff down. Then keep writing stuff down.
5. Take lots of pictures and post them here. That is definitly part of the have fun item.
6. Having fun means sometimes realizing that this is a lot of work. Be proud of what you did even if you screwed up, we all have made mistakes. Some of them are pretty funny. We post them here and laugh a lot.
7. If there is a local beekeepers club in your area join it.

We will also share our vast wisdom and knowledge with you, some of which is actually helpful. Some of it will not be helpful but might point you in the direction to something that is very helpful. We will also share our funny stories and pictures which you will also find helpful and some of them are even funny.

The moderators will ask for a 10% cut of all honey you produce, don't give it to them. They are just being funny. :)

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[DBoire]

Welcome!  This is a great place for info. and links.

Purchase at least one book on starting beekeeping.  Beekeeping for Dummies is good.  Although there are many.  Beekeeping is for people that enjoy learning, always something new.  It's a good idea to subscribe to one of the beekeeping mags., "Bee Culture" or "American Beekeeper"  :-P??  Someone help me out here.

As I add hives I'm considering 8 frame equipment and alternative methods for the brood boxes, i.e. one doesn't need to use two deeps.  Look into it!

I'm 41, young, but hard labor at an early age allows me to enjoy the pleasures of a old age early! :-D  Only wish the wisdom came with it :'(

Enjoy!

D.

[Kirk-o]

Oh yeah this is the place Brig Young
kirk-o

[Michael Bush]

>-Where is a good place to buy all of the supplies I need

Get catalogs from Betterbee, Brushy Mt, Mann Lake, Dadant, Walter T. Kelly, Western Bee Supply and Miller Bee Supply.  Or just shop online for them.  The closer they are to you the lower the shipping will probably be and that's always a big part of the cost.  All of them have been good to do business with.  Walter. T. Kelly might be the closest to you or there is a Dadant outlet in Frankfort, Ky 1-888-932-3268.

>-How do I set-up the hives

Read a good book on beekeeping.  Here's my advice to beginners on buying equipment etc.:
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnewbees.htm

>-How do I havest the honey
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesharvest.htm

>And any other things a begginer needs to know!
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesbasics.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beespests.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnaturalcell.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm

[jgcity2000]

Thanks guys! I will definetly get some books and mags! My dad also knows someone who keeps bees so I will be talking to him and working with him for a while.

I am not afraid of beeing stung, as you can tell by my sig line, I raise and breed reptiles, I tend to get bittin a lot, lol.
I am young but I am hardworking...when it comes to animals atleast, lol.

Thanks again!