Headfry! I need info on bees!

[Birdie Wife]

My boss has offered me some second-hand bee-keeing equipment. How cool is that??!! So I know Headfry keeps bees, and there was a thread on bee-keeping tips a while back, but now I can't find any of them Can someone help me? I'm looking for info on how easy it is to get started. I've found the Bee Keepers association and I'm reading though the info there, but can someone point me at where the info is on here, or give me any advice?

[Headfry]

Birdie Wife I am soooo pleased for you

I will post some tips and contacts for you tomorrow - should I forget then nudge me!! I have memory like a, like a, a, a, ah yes strainer.....mean sieve!

yipee another 'keeper' on the vine. much fun to be had.

[seasprout]

Hey you.....

Now you both stay out in the open where we can all see you....we dont want any of that there funny stuff with The Birdiewife and the Bee's.


Get it...Get it..???

[Headfry]

Ok Birdie Wife here we go...... Firstly "morning"
I will give the best tips that I can, but you could really do with a good book. Much about beekeeping depends on how much you wish to spend.....


GOOD BOOKS (in my view)

Ted Hoopers - Guide to Bees and Honey.
Practical Bee Keeping - Clive de Bruyn.
and a lovely little book to inspire is.....
'Beekeeping' - Inspiration and practical advice for would-be small holders.
(they do books on chickens, veg and fruit in this range) Its a little book mustard in colour about £8ish

next a few questions.....sorry
What kind of tips would you like?

Do you have any knowledge of beekeeping?
Are you working to a strict budget?
Do you know what type of hive you have been given?
Have you been given other beekeeping 'bits'
Have you a place to put your hive?

Sue (Headfry)
I'm so excited for you

[ClayGarden]

Blimey it sounds like your going to have a lot of learning to do Birdie Wife. You'll have to keep us up to date, and put some pictures up too.

[Birdie Wife]

Now you both stay out in the open where we can all see you....we dont want any of that there funny stuff with The Birdiewife and the Bee's.


Get it...Get it..???

LOL sounds like a great name for a band!! I haven't had a look at any of the equipment yet, the family are away on holiday (I'm looking after the dog) but I'm taking it that I should say yes please to the offer!!! My main worry is that the bees won't have enough to feed on but the farm up here is thinking of sowing a corridor of good bee flowers, so maybe I don't need to worry!

[ClayGarden]

Where do you get bees from when you first setup?

[Birdie Wife]

You can start with a swarm in late summer when the bees are looking for a new home, but you can also get starter kits from specialist suppliers, treated against Varroa and infection free. Eee hark at me, I already sound like I know what I'm taking about!! How did you start, Sue?

[Headfry]

ClayGarden- If you contact your local council, they will have the number of a local 'swarm catcher' get in contact with them and they will put you on the list of people wanting bees! you just go and collect them! It's how I got mine. Down sides....
You never know what you will get clam/aggressive bees- mine are just a touch humpy-very much so, but I love them just the same, I just get stung a lot...by my own fault always!
Or - if they have any of the many bee diseases that are about these days.
Plus sides....they are free!
If you can get an early summer swarm its much better than a late season one, more time for the colony to strengthen before winter.
Birdie Wife - the first time I started it was by way of a bee keeping friend, we went and collected a swarm. After a 13 year gap I have restarted again from the basics by going on a course. I really needed to get up to speed on the nasty bee diseases!!
I got my bees from the local council 'swarm catcher'
Most areas have a branch of the British Beekeepers Ass. they will help you as much as possible. Our area is great and they very, very helpful.

and, SAY YES.....I am sure you will love having bees!