My mother want's to start up beekeeping

[Nansbees]

Hey guys,

My mother has been talking about starting beekeeping for about 3 months now. She has been online reading loads of information. About a week ago i took her up 2 a local beekeeper so she could speak to him about a few things on how to keep them etc. Now what i need your guys help with. It's my mothers birthday coming up soon and i want to get her something to start her off but i am clueless on where to start myself. I don't imagine you get beekeeping starter kits, but what would you guys like to come in a box if you was beginners again? Or would it be best taking her out for the day and getting her set up? I found a few things on the site below but not really starting up kits so to speak.
http://www.australia.for-sale.com/bee-hive

Any help, advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated guys!!

Thanks

[GSF]

www.mannlakeltd.com, brushy mountain, and others will have starter kits. Read, read, and read some more. Ask as many questions on here as you'd like.

[Hops Brewster]

Good for her! And good for you for supporting her!

There is a steep learning curve for beeginners.  As GSF noted, reading is a good place to start, as well as asking questions.  Also, look around in your local area for a beekeeper's club, beginners classes, and local beekeeping supply stores.  State University Extension services also have a wealth of knowledge and some offer classes.

[paus]

My best advice coming from an old codger, even though I had a small commercial apiary when I was in my teens and twenties. My daughter an I joined a bee club.  I had forgotten a lot and what I remembered was wrong.  The club has been extremely helpful, You can probably find a mentor that will help you and maybe you can help them go through their hive chores, this will be very educational and possibly a joy as it is for me..  This web site is a wonderful place to learn but you need good local experience.  Lots of LUCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[iddee]

You can get much more accurate help if you put your location in your profile.

[Blacksheep]

I would suggest she join a local bee Club and find a mentor to help her as it is very hard to do with out some help from people in the efforts to keep bees!

[FlexMedia.tv]

My Daughters bought me books that helped. One thing they did for me was made me some business cards, not to sell honey or anything because I only have two hives for a hobby, but to let people see what I was doing on my blog. Your Mom probably has a bunch of friends who are curious.

Get her connected to this site. I have asked oh, probably 100 questions that got answered right here. They were pretty stupid questions but nobody treated them that way. (Grin!)

Art

[Acebird]

Do you really what to help?  Then do it.  Nothing better than having a helper and learn together.

[divemaster1963]

My Daughters bought me books that helped. One thing they did for me was made me some business cards, not to sell honey or anything because I only have two hives for a hobby, but to let people see what I was doing on my blog. Your Mom probably has a bunch of friends who are curious.

Get her connected to this site. I have asked oh, probably 100 questions that got answered right here. They were pretty stupid questions but nobody treated them that way. (Grin!)

Art

flex. we make exceptions for Michigan folk.

john

[Beezer]

Yes.  Just do it.  There are a lot of possibilities.  All are great.  But I am partial to Mann Lake.  Good luck.  You'll figure it out.  Your mom is fortunate to have such an attentive child.

[BeeMaster2]

Most of the kits that I have seen have a lot of things you really don't need and boxes you do not want. I recommend you get 2- 8 frame medium hives with at least 4 medium boxes per hive. Get a hive tool a bee jacket for her, a all net one if you can afford it.
Jim

[Nansbees]

Wow loads of information guys! your a great bunch! I can see the majority of people's advice is to go and see local beekeeper/beekeeping club. I will go propose the visit to a local beekeeping club and see what she says, i have this funny feeling she will be over the moon!! While we are there i will have a look for some books and as much information as possible while she is going through the practical side of things.

I will go see her and see what happens from there. i will be back shortly!!

Thanks guys !!

[FlexMedia.tv]

[/quote]

flex. we make exceptions for Michigan folk.

[/quote]

Heh, heh! I'll take it!

[220]

Not sure of you location, the link is a Aussie one so guessing your in Aus.
Im in Aus and have just started brought a from a few different place, bees direct from beekeepers, hives and accessories from ebay and from bee keeping supply stores.
Let us know where you are and Im sure a someone can steer you towards a beekeeping store nearby.

One thing the beekeeping supply shop did say to me when I said I was just starting was it is unusual to get someone new buying frames, boxes etc not assembled. Most newbies opt to purchase everything assembled, frames wired and waxed etc.

[kanga]

As Iddee stated Putting your location in your profile will assist in providing you advise.

The link you provided talks about 2nd hand equipment etc. May I suggest that when starting up shy away from 2nd hand equipment unless you personally know the source or you intend to have them irradiated. Irradiation will kill any spores/bacteria etc of AFB, chalk brood, nosema, EFB. All of these are present in Australia and on mainland Australia if you happen to get AFB in your hive all the bees have to be destroyed and the equipment burnt or irradiated.

Steritech Pty Ltd operates facilities in Melbourne, Sydney and in Brisbane, so unless you live within reasonable distance of those locations costs may outweigh any benefits.