Bee's and Horsies

sandhya · May 04, 2007, 12:44:13 AM

Has anyone here ever kept bee's in a pasture with livestock?, mine are actually in thier own little corral, (a 20 by 20 area) at the well pump head.
I am lucky to have such a great spot...
has anyone ever had horses beg for honey during honey season?

Understudy · May 04, 2007, 01:02:33 AM

Michael Bush has horses and bees
http://www.bushfarms.com/friesians.htm

Horses and bees should be kept as far apart as possible as they don't always make the best roomies.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Brian D. Bray · May 04, 2007, 02:18:43 AM

Goats like to stand on the hives. The bees usually chase the billy away due to the smell. I keep the goats away from the hives because I don't want them knocked over. Horses, goats, and cows will use bee hives for scratching posts and topple the hive.

shakerbeeman · May 04, 2007, 09:34:43 AM

I have made my little corral for my bees at 15x15 to keep out the brown bears. The season has begun already with a visit to the bird feeders. I really hate to take them down this time of year as many beautiful birds stop by. Have made it easy for the big boy to get the seed at the end of the day so he causes less damage. It is like we have an agreement.

gkempf · May 04, 2007, 11:52:54 AM

I have 8 head of percherons close to my bees,i don't have any problem with them, my hives are fenced off with with electric and these horses respect electric fence, but you sure wouldn't want a horse to rub on a hive and knock it over...

Kathyp · May 04, 2007, 01:02:59 PM

my horses are pastured next to the bees. not a problem. i have one young horse that stands by the fence and watches them fly. it's kind of funny.

Bennettoid · May 04, 2007, 10:09:29 PM

My wife asked me this question this morning, as we are going to be fencing off pasture this summer. Good advice. The bees will be fine if they are OUTSIDE the fence.

Michael Bush · May 05, 2007, 01:15:03 PM

My bees are in the middle of my horse pasture. You need the hives fenced off so they don't knock them over. I have made the mistake of leaving wet supers in their reach and the horses have reached over the fence and eaten the boxes, frames, combs and all. Not much left when they get done.