two or one hive that is the question!

Rodni73 · March 02, 2008, 09:33:43 PM

I just completed a bee keeping seminar and I ordered my first hive and bees. I will pick them up on May 3rd.

all the literature I read recomends two hives saying it is so easy you wont even notice it. I am thinking one hive get use to it, learn hand's on and then expand when I feel I 'm ready! On the other hand, it would be nice having two hive in the yard!

So what do you think? Please give me your advice! one or two :mrgreen:?

Davepeg · March 02, 2008, 09:37:03 PM

Definitely two...unfortunately, there's a chance that something will happen with one during the first season and you will lose all your hard work and efforts.

Spoken from experience...

Welcome to the hobby!

Peggy and Dave

buzzbee · March 02, 2008, 09:40:55 PM

General consensus here has been two hives if you can afford it.It gives comparison between hives to do a better evaluation. If you need some brood or honey to share it gives a place to rob some from.

asprince · March 02, 2008, 09:41:26 PM

Definitely two! Speaking from experience. It is good to have a source to borrow from if you have trouble with one of your hives. (brood, eggs, honey, etc)

Good luck, Steve

Rodni73 · March 02, 2008, 10:52:43 PM

And two hives it will be! I ordered another complete hive and the bees! May 3rd will be the day I will receive and install the bees in my two hives!

To not worry about the neighbors all together I will be instaling a 6 foot vinal fence around my property :mrgreen:!

Can't weight to have the hives near my big vegetable garden! I promice will post pictures!

Thanks all!

mgmoore7 · March 02, 2008, 10:56:38 PM

Definately 2. I started with 2 and i could easily see the avantage and used it too.

Michael Bush · March 02, 2008, 11:49:47 PM

Two.

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

Brian D. Bray · March 03, 2008, 12:26:14 AM

Quote from: Michael Bush on March 02, 2008, 11:49:47 PM
Two.

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

It unanimous...2.

sarafina · March 03, 2008, 02:00:17 AM

I can't afford two to start so I will have to take my chances with one :?

We have mild winters here, so my main concern is disease. Hopefully I will be able to do a split next year when I can afford more woodenware.

beekeeperookie · March 03, 2008, 07:40:41 AM

Two is the best bet

indypartridge · March 03, 2008, 08:24:33 AM

Quote from: sarafina on March 03, 2008, 02:00:17 AM
I can't afford two to start so I will have to take my chances with one :?

Yes, starting out can be pricey and I started with one as well. Didn't get beyond one hive until my third summer. I understand and agree with all those that recommend starting with two, but even with one hive you'll learn a lot and have loads of fun. (And you'll start tucking away money at every opportunity so you can buy more bee stuff!)