What bees to start with?

[dronedave22]

Hello my name is DAve, hopefully my Wife and I will be buying our first home in a year or two and I would like to start beekeeping.  Question is I live in Southern new England, Connecticut to be exact and I am wondering what strain of bees do you suggest for a beginner in my area?  Also any Connecticut Bee Keeper's on the forum here?  Thanx in advance,
DAve

[iddee]

I would suggest starting now with equip. and study. Try to obtain a swarm from your area. Not only are they "free?", but they came from a strong colony in your area. Likely a survivor colony.

[forrestcav]

As a newbie I agree. Read everything you can, like "beekeeping for dummies", etc. As well as the posts on this forum and some of the others. You should be able to do an internet search for bee clubs in your area or contact the state aggriculture dept., they should have a listing. Find a mentor locally who can show you his hive(s) and what equipment he uses to get an idea what you'll need. That why you don't end up with more than you need. Go ahead though and get your catalogs and start drooling over them now and planning on your needs, wants and desires.

[cam]

I'm a little north of you. I think Carni's do the best for me.

[indypartridge]

Hello and Welcome!

This is a good forum to learn more about bees and beekeeping. Be sure to check out the tutorials on the main Beemaster page. I also recommend getting involved with a local club. Clubs are great places to find mentors and get connected with nearby beekeepers:
http://www.ctbees.com/
http://www.backyardbeekeepers.com/

As for bees, I believe it's more important to buy local bees than a particular strain. I'm sure club members can connect you with someone who sells nucs raised from local survivor stock.

[Tommyt]

I sent you (PM) with a name and number of a guy in, Granby CT.
I don't have anything to do with him just saw an add he had selling bee's
I have family  up there and it caught my eye

Tommyt

[FRAMEshift]

As a newbie I agree. Read everything you can, like "beekeeping for dummies", etc. As well as the posts on this forum and some of the others.

I agree you should read as much as you can on bees.  One of my favorite books is "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beekeeping" by Dean Stiglitz.  It's right on target with methods and gives some unexpected insights.  Not an expensive book, about $15 in paperback.

[buzzbee]

Dave,
I believe this is not too far from you:
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,23082.0.html
You may be interested in checking it out!

[AllenF]

Look for local bees.   Beeks in your area also can give you hand with questions that you will have.

[dronedave22]

Thank you everyone great replies thanx for the info everyone is very helpful on here.  Won't rush into this that's for sure, there is a lot too learn.  I have always loved insects and this is one way I can interact with them on a more productive level, lots of work but it looks like a lot of fun as well!!!
DAve

[jmblakeney]

I second the motion on the CIG to Beekeeping.  An excellent book, the best I've read on beekeeping.

James

[forrestcav]

i enjoyed Dummies book, CIG is on my to read list.

[Michael Bush]

I agree with local bees.  If you can't get that, then Northern bees.  If you can't get that, then I'd go for the Carnis...