Beekeeping Anyone?

[bluemoon]

I know someone on the vine is a beekeeper (Headfry?) I'm thinking of perhaps setting up a hive. So, if someone could recommend a good book on the subject, or equipment suppliers, I'd be grateful. I've had a look on the web and there are loads of places which offer beginners' set-ups, but all claim theirs is the best. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for or avoiding?

[Plot17B]

Hello Bluemoon,
recent thread on the same topic here: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ees_26480.html

As for books, the "bible" is Guide to Bees and Honey: Amazon.co.uk: Ted Hooper: Books
And there are several good forums based in the UK - BBKA and some others are a good starter for ten. David Cushman's website is a great resource too .

But definitely start with a local group to talk to, watch what they do and then make the decision if you do indeed want to start with bees....... (local groups found here = Local Associations)
(p.s. they are great and we need more keepers )
Cheers
P17B

[Mcbee]

Agree with Plot17B on everything. Ted Hoopers book is all you will need unless you get really techie, and want to know more about breeding etc.

[crichmond]

If you are after a good deal on a hive then thornes are the place to go at the moment, if you click the link below then click on the 'bees on a budget' link for cheap startup kit. The hives are made from cedar so it will last longer than the so called cheap hives on ebay that are made from pine.

A good beginners book is 'Bees at the Bottom of the Garden' and for something a little more in depth 'Practical Beekeeping' by Clive de Bruyn

Beekeeping equipment and bees. Beekeeping supplies the worlds largest range from Thorne on line sales.

[bluemoon]

Thanks all. I've found a local group who are running a course in May (though I might struggle to justify the £50 they're charging for it to OH) Meanwhile I'll buy a couple of the books you recommend. That site looks good too, Crichmond. Thanks again.

[Plot17B]

Hello again!
Just noticed this on the March competition page. Free Giveaways - Grow Your Own Magazine - GYO Growing & How To Grow Vegetables tomatoes & fruit from your garden - Tips on Growing
It's gotta be worth you having a go.
p17b

[Mcbee]

Thanks all. I've found a local group who are running a course in May (though I might struggle to justify the £50 they're charging for it to OH) Meanwhile I'll buy a couple of the books you recommend. That site looks good too, Crichmond. Thanks again.

You might find that the course is more aimed at people who already keep bees, rather than someone who is just interested in keeping them.

it might not be what you are looking for so I'd check it out. When i started beekeeping i joined my local association and they have "open houses" in the summer where you can go and have a look around other peoples hives. They'll even have a spare beesuit (probably) although i'd check that out.

You'll probably find that at this time of year they are having meetings in a hall, and they'll probably be really happy if you attend (new members are always welcomed). Its a good way to get to know other beekeepers and see what its all about!

Good luck and i hope you enjoy it!

[Mrs Dobby]

We went to our first BBKA meeting last month, attending the local Cheshire one in Stickport, was a brilliant evening! The folks were extremely friendly, lots of good advice and an absolutely fascinating subject!

We've 2 hives ready to set up, are lpanning on building an Apiary at one end of the plot and have another local beekeeper who has already said he will provide us with a nucleus when he splits one of his colonies this spring!

Good luck with the venture, and get along to a BBKA meeting!

[Digger-07]

I swear by GUIDE TO BEES AND HONEY - TED HOOPER. It's an old book and doesn't have anything about varoa but for the basics I don't think you can beat it.
Good luck with the venture Bluemoon, we need more people keeping bees then the government might take some notice of the dire problem honey bees are in at the moment and start to fund some proper research again.

I just noticed where you are - Leeds beekepers have a website and also have a very good mentoring scheme for new beekeepers so that you get hands on with your own colony and learn / get support from someone at the same time.

[Headfry]

Sorry, for late reply....but go for Ted Hooper as others say, Clive de Bruen also good.
He gave a very good talk the other week at our local bee meeting!
What a nice guy!

[BarleySugar]

I am hoping to persuade the other memebers of the comittee to allow beekeeping on our new allotment site when we get to the stage of formulating rules, so I am readling all beekeeping theads to glean all the pros and useful arguments against the cons

[Plot17B]

Hello Barleysugar!
I bet they worry about insurance and people having reactions to stings. Risk, risk & more risk is all that will be on their mind in this claim culture (which has waned recently thank heavens!). Plan well to allay their fears!!!!!

We discussed the topic before on these threads, but a few thoughts which may help you prepare for the ensuing discussions..

• 1. You'd need to get an agreed spot to place the hives i.e. all the people in the immediate vaccinity to agree to it and have no allergies to stings.
• 2. The beekeepers must join the BBKA and then be fully insured. This means that they are covered and the allotment committee bear no risk.
• 3. Put clear, laminated signs on the hive warning people not to interfere with the hives and with explicit emergency procedures should someone be stung. (pm me for mine if you ever get that far). If someone then intereferes and gets stung, then you've warned them.
• 4. There are plenty of inner city bee keepers (London is the fine example), but you stand a better chance of approval if you have open fields nearby. You may have issues if you are surrounded by busy roads, playgrounds and busy footpaths - the bees need space to reach crusing altitude and so ensure they don't get hit by buses or cannot evade the public.
• 5. Limit the number of hives initially to one or two to help gain the committee and allotmentier's understanding and approval. Then, if there's space, maybe a couple more. And offer "have a look" inspections to the allotmentiers and you'll find they are intrigued and start to support you when they realise it is a safe and benficial activity!
• 6. Get on some courses first and gain a little experience through local groups, then it also gives the committee confidence that it will be done properly and safely.

Hope these few ideas help .... it's a snapshot and bound to miss loads of obvios things, but I'm sure the others can chip in and give you more thoughts to plan and present. Best of luck!
P17B

[Mcbee]

BarleySugar,

You'll probably find that people won't really object to you keeping bees - but expect that to all change when they swarm!!

For people who haven't experienced it, a swarm can be pretty intimidating and you might lose a lot of good will if it happens. Despite being vigilant for queen cells, and trying artificaial swarming my bees swarmed every year

If yours do swarm then you should have a back up location ready - somewhere where you can move the bees , but obviously over 3 miles from teh allotment!!

Good luck

[bluemoon]

This is a really daft question, but would honey bees on my plot force the local bumble bees to move on?

[Digger-07]

This is a really daft question, but would honey bees on my plot force the local bumble bees to move on?

They shouldn't affect other non social bees as they all feed on different plants or by different methods. Each bee is adapted for specific types of plants. Bumble bees and solitary bees are never in the same numbers as the honey bee and there is always plent of pollen and nectar to go round.