When is the best time to start a hive?

Whipsmack · May 07, 2006, 08:22:41 PM

What time of the year should I get it set up? Or does it matter? I'm totally new to beekeeping and I love this site, so much info here keep up the good work.

Anyways, I was going to order a super and a colony of bees, probably won't get set up until mid may, is this okay?

Kris^ · May 07, 2006, 08:53:10 PM

That depends on a lot of things -- where you live, whether you're planning to buy a package, a nuc or a complete established hive. It may be hard to get a package this time of year, but could probably get a 5 frame nuc or a full hive if you look around. Or you could be lucky enough to catch a swarm.

-- Kris

Hi-Tech · May 07, 2006, 10:10:07 PM

If you will put your location in your profile, it will help people give you advice based on your area...

Whipsmack · May 08, 2006, 06:44:45 AM

Sorry i'm from Salem, Oregon.

Michael Bush · May 08, 2006, 08:19:19 AM

>What time of the year should I get it set up? Or does it matter? I'm totally new to beekeeping and I love this site, so much info here keep up the good work.

Here, April would be ideal. Anything past June or July would be pushing your luck. You'd be lucky to find a package available if you don't buy them in January or February for delivery in April.

Good luck.

vabeeguy · May 08, 2006, 08:34:02 AM

The lastest I've ever installed a normal 3lb package was May 9th. It did very well, however it produced just enough brood and honey to get it through the winter. Check and see if there is a local beekeepers association in your area, the members are liable to have swarms.

Hi-Tech · May 08, 2006, 11:09:26 PM

I spoke with my bee supplier the other day and they told me I could get a package anytime this summer. Of course it helps that they are only 20 miles away.... :D

Apis629 · May 08, 2006, 11:26:26 PM

I installed mine June 8th and harvested my first super on October 26th. Granted, I'm conciderably farther south.

qa33010 · May 09, 2006, 02:48:57 AM

My first hive was late last July. It was a feral survivor hive that had been there for five years and one of the experienced beeks was the driving force of the removal. Many were lost and they emergencied a new queen that bred and was later superceded by a great daughter in early October and who is a laying nut this year with some gentle brood. I really wasn't sure if they were going to make it but they are going like gangbusters. Thanks a lot to to members here telling me to stop coddling them and let them be bees. Without all of you they could very well have died due to my interfering. Like Michael said it may be tough to get a package now (they were all sold out this time last year when I was ready) but you may be able to get a swarm or a hive. IMHO of course. Good Luck!!!

Still learning and ain't learned anything yet! Or should I say learned a bunch and don't know nothin.
David