If you could recommend...

ME Girl · April 23, 2012, 01:10:47 PM

If you could recommend one book, video, or website (besides this one of course!) What would it be? I love to research especially about bees. It's even more important since I will be getting a hive of my very own! X:X Or if you have one tip that has worked for you and would be willing to share. I want to be as prepared as possible

I'm not a complete newbie since I have helped my husband out with his hives but this will be mine and I get to take care of it and make all the decisions about my girls. Can I say once again that I am excited!

FRAMEshift · April 23, 2012, 01:24:34 PM

Welcome to Beemaster! IMO, the single best source is the website offered by Michael Bush, a member and frequent poster on Beemaster. His website is http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm

Michael has also recently published a book called The Practical Beekeeper, which is pretty much the contents of the website in book form.

LoriMNnice · April 23, 2012, 04:27:24 PM

Quote from: FRAMEshift on April 23, 2012, 01:24:34 PM
Welcome to Beemaster! IMO, the single best source is the website offered by Michael Bush, a member and frequent poster on Beemaster. His website is http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm

Michael has also recently published a book called The Practical Beekeeper, which is pretty much the contents of the website in book form.

Ditto and I also like the university of mn bee website because it has information about how to keep bees here in MN

Rurification · April 23, 2012, 05:12:08 PM

We use both Michael Bush's website and his book. It was worth every penny. Plus this website. I can ask any questions I want and get several opinions from experienced beeks.

FRAMEshift · April 23, 2012, 06:59:18 PM

Quote from: LoriMNnice on April 23, 2012, 04:27:24 PM
Ditto and I also like the university of mn bee website because it has information about how to keep bees here in MN

Well yeah, because Minnesota is... well, you know.... special. :devilbanana: :-D

Joe D · April 23, 2012, 07:36:14 PM

I like to look all over the internet, u tube, etc. I like to watch kirk (beeo) anderson with backwards beekeeping .com. Beemaster's is the site I normally go to everyday though.
I have MB site on favorites list along with several others. Just look everywhere when you have time, you can pick up something here and there. Good luck with your bees

Joe

DoctorZ · April 23, 2012, 08:16:50 PM

BeeMaster Greetings Miss ME Girl

I'm a new beek too (my second full year) and one of the items that helped me get started was a series of You Tube videos by Prof Keith Delaplane; "Honey Bees and Beekeeping".

See: Honey Bees and Beekeeping
I believe that there are 7 Chapters with a couple of videos per chapter. A bit dated, but well worth the time spent looking at the vids. Lot's of great tips.

I would also like to second Mr. Michael Bush's website and book. A great contribution to the hobby.

Best of luck!

George

cdanderson · April 23, 2012, 08:58:33 PM

If I was recommending one book to a new beekeeper, it would be the Beekeepers Handbook Fourth Edition ! I wish I had this when I started.

ME Girl · April 23, 2012, 09:22:04 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I had guessed some but there also was a few things I hadn't heard of. This is why I love this place! So much diversity!

jmblakeney · April 23, 2012, 11:18:10 PM

Great info above. One other book I would recommend is Dean Stiglitz, "The Complete Idiots Guide to Beekeeping" If you are going natural this book is awesome IMO. The author also frequents here as well, Deano.

James

scdw43 · April 23, 2012, 11:33:29 PM

Michael Bush's site is great. As far as books go "Fifty Years Amoung the Bees" by C. C. Miller.

ME Girl · April 24, 2012, 08:14:20 AM

I would like to go as natural as possible. I prefer going as natural as possible in most things. I do want them to do well though and will be heartbroken if something happens (especially if it's my hive). I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed and I'm heading to the library to see what books they have. If not It's time to go shopping at Amazon :)

Shannon

danno · April 24, 2012, 09:16:12 AM

I have to ask How many of you MB followers using small cell and natural cell are sticking with the program, using no treatments and having exceptable loses?
I would suggest beekeeping for dumbies. It has most everything you will need to get started and is very easy to read. I also like ABC XYZ of beekeeping.

FRAMEshift · April 24, 2012, 09:27:35 AM

Quote from: danno on April 24, 2012, 09:16:12 AM
I have to ask How many of you MB followers using small cell and natural cell are sticking with the program, using no treatments and having exceptable loses?

The only treatment we use is powdered sugar. Lost 25% this winter but none of those were from varroa. I think 10% is an acceptable level of loss, but I don't think you get there with chemical treatments.

danno · April 24, 2012, 01:05:35 PM

Quote from: FRAMEshift on April 24, 2012, 09:27:35 AM
Quote from: danno on April 24, 2012, 09:16:12 AM
I have to ask How many of you MB followers using small cell and natural cell are sticking with the program, using no treatments and having exceptable loses?

The only treatment we use is powdered sugar. Lost 25% this winter but none of those were from varroa. I think 10% is an acceptable level of loss, but I don't think you get there with chemical treatments.

10 % is acceptable. I lost 4 out of 45 this winter and have had winters with 0% loses but they are rare.

luvin honey · April 24, 2012, 01:26:56 PM

Zero losses this year. Losses in the past from bears and starvation. I have varroa mites all over the front porches this year, but I have not seen a single one on the bees and the 3 hive are absolutely booming!