Any Beekeepers here?

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   tritrainposted 14 years ago

   Do you have any tips or resources to share?
   
   I am hoping to move and buy some land for vegetables and would like to have bees.  Maybe, eventually, start selling the honey.

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      purplepaulaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hi tritrain,
      If you go to http://beginnersguidetobeekeeping.com you will find a free ebook.- Beekeeping; Learn how to keep bees successfully.  It is being sold for $47 dollars elsewhere, but free on the above site.
      
      Regards
      paula

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   SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years ago

   ...no...an acquaintenance has bees in an urban setting...i find beekeeping quite  interesting actually...good luck!

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      tritrainposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, thank you for replying! 
      
      
      My girlfriend had bees in a small town, yet urban part of it.  The neighbors complained.
      
      I'm very hopeful of where we plan on moving.  Decorah Iowa. 

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   SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years ago

   ...too bad, i can't spell....anyway...so why the complaints...where i live (urban) there are several folks keeping bees.  I do recall reading about a swarm moving into the neighbour's place...ha ha ha...it was harmless; no one was stung...it was very different for the neighbours to see such numbers hanging out on their property for a day or two - most of us don't see that everyday...that's all...too bad you have to move...

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      tritrainposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That's the funny thing about them.
      
      Some urban areas are embracing beekeeping, while others are firmly against it.
      
      Sort of like rainwater harvesting.  Some love the idea, others think its like stealing.

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   Hugh Williamsonposted 14 years ago

   My brother keeps a few hives. It's more complicated than most people think - disease prevention and overwintering are challenges.
   
   There are many short courses offered in many places and that would be your best source of info.
   
   Good luck. Bee safe. (sorry)

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      tritrainposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Ha!
      
      My girlfriend's bees overwintered and got diarrhea.  Poor little guys.

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         Hugh Williamsonposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         That sorta gives new meaning to the phrase "busy as a bee"

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   ThomasEposted 14 years ago

   I would like to keep bees, but I can't get the family to agree, they are afraid of the little blighters.

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   lorlie6posted 14 years ago

   I used to keep honeybees when I lived just outside of Birmingham, Alabama.  YEARS ago!  As Hugh says, there are many issues when tending bees, but if I recall correctly, the only time my bees were 'en masse' was when I went to rob the hives.
   But, armed with my smoker, they were wonderfully obedient and not at all intimidating.  Just happily high.
   All the best!

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      tritrainposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the tip!
      
      Happy Bees = a Happy Bee Keeper

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   Pearldiverposted 14 years ago

   No... Not any more! The Hive is empty!
   
   We used to have about 6 of them here before, but some Queen walked into the forums, wriggled her bum and they all buzzed off together
   
   But you know what?
   
   I reckon it was really a Drone!!
   
   The size 12 feet was a sure give away!
   
   Oh Well... I'm sure by now they have worked out if she had a Stinger or not

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   logic,commonsenseposted 14 years ago

   I have a hive to help pollinate my fruit trees and berries.
   They don't require a lot of work but when they need attention, they need attention.
   Treat the hive spring and fall.
   Make sure you are putting on supers just before it looks like you need to, and harvest the honey by Sept.
   Most states have an extension service where you can get the information you need.  The state honey association can hook you up with nearby beekeepers that will be more than happy to help you out.
   Good luck!  It is fun, educational, and fascinating, as well as necessary for propogation of our food supply.

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      tritrainposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much for the advice!  Much appreciated. 

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      jetta17posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Nice Information. Bee's are very much needed for pollination of countless vegetable crops and herbs. Sadly, not enough people are keeping bees. Its nice to see interest from other hubbers!

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   Erin Eisenmanposted 14 years ago

   We have bees...this is our second year.  Growing up my dad kept bees and I also enjoyed it.  Our neighbors were grateful last year because their flowers bloomed so much more than normal because of our bees.  But we live in a semi-rural area.  Good luck!  You'll enjoy doing it!  And the honey....oh so good!

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