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  • From: "Wilson Lamb" <infomet AT embarqmail.com>
  • To: <ocba AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [ocba] Aspiring Beekeeper Looking for Advice on StarterEquipment
  • Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2011 13:00:03 -0500

Good point, but I want to chime in a bit too.
 
My experience with packages is NOT good.  It's not a lot of bees, sometimes you get a good queen and sometimes not, and sometimes they just don't thrive.
 
In my opinion, a rather inexperienced one, you are FAR better off to find someone selling operational hives or making splits they are willing to sell.  It may cost more, but you have more chance of getting honey.  Failed packages add up rapidly!
 
Subscribe to NC Agreview and watch for hives for sale.  Of course they can fail too, but at least you can do an inspection and see what you are getting.
 
Here are current bee related ads
 
There's one person selling hives, but they may not be established yet. 
 
Also get someone experienced to discuss the merit of nucs vs packages.  I think it's a lot more bees, with some comb started...
 
Packages have gotten way more expensive in the last few years, because of high demand, so learning to catch swarms and do removals can be quite valuable!  Some of my best hives have started from swarms!
 
Who knows, you may be able to work with a mentor and get your own hive going in their yard, thus avoiding some mistakes.
 
Wilson
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 11:38 AM
Subject: Re: [ocba] Aspiring Beekeeper Looking for Advice on StarterEquipment

Don't forget what goes in the equipment --- bees! Most beginners start with package bees which come in the mail. You won't actually get them until mid/late April (if lucky) or May, but package bee suppliers are already taking orders. They usually ship first-come-first-served so ordering at Christmas means you should be near the top of the list for an earlier (versus later) delivery. Just as a reference, Rossman's (www.gabees.com) is taking 2012 orders now at $73 per package, which includes an Italian queen. Shipping is extra. There are a lot of suppliers to choose from (see NC Approved Sellers list: http://www.ncagr.gov/plantindustry/plant/apiary/documents/2011PermitToSell.pdf). But PLEASE don't buy any from areas where African Honey Bees are entrenched, such as Texas (see the map here: http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=11059&page=6). Most folks end up with Georgia package bees, either ordering directly or through Jack Tapp, who brings them up by the truckload. Jack's contact info is under "Busy Bee Apiaries" on the NC Approved Sellers list.

There have been years recently when suppliers sell out quickly. So the smart move is to get your order in early. You can cancel if your circumstances change between now and next spring (sometimes with a nominal cancellation fee --- check with the seller).

FYI, the bee school will wisely recommend that you start with two hives, if possible.

Randall

On Tue, Dec 6, 2011 at 10:36 AM, Todd Walker <mtwalker AT imageray.net> wrote:
John,

I have purchase equipment from both Dadant (http://www.dadant.com ) and Brushy Mountain ( http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/  ), which is a NC company. Their prices are comparable; however, there are a few benefits with Brushy Mountain. Their hive kits include screen bottom boards and both the bottom boards and hive tops come preassembled. Dadant kits have solid bottom boards and both the bottom boards and hive tops come unassembled. For buying larger quantities (e.g. cartons of five hives, supers, etc), Dadant can be cheaper.

Dadant offers several kits that make ordering easy. The two that I have ordered in the past are:

Brushy Mountain has a hive kit but not a honey super kit. In my experience the only real benefit to the kit is convenience. I later ended up buying a better veil, gloves, and smoker than what are included in the kit. In the long run it might have been cheaper if I had bought the components individually but at least now I have spare gear and stuff that my wife, etc could use.

My advice would be to wait until after the Equipment lecture to purchase any hive equipment. You may learn things that could influence your decision. If you still want somethings for your Christmas list, some recommendations would be:
A gift certificate to Brushy Mountain and/or Dadant
A larger smoker (the beginner kits only come with the small smoker)
Two of the classic bee reference books:

I hope this helps. We look forward to seeing you at the bee school.

~Todd

From: John Nicholson <jlnicholson AT gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 5 Dec 2011 18:11:34 -0500
To: <ocba AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [ocba] Aspiring Beekeeper Looking for Advice on Starter Equipment

Greetings Beekeepers:

I am planning to begin bee school in January and was hoping to get some advice on what supplies I should plan to purchase to get started. I am sure we will be going over some of this during the bee school in January but I though some items may make good Christmas gifts. Specifically, I was looking for advice on whether to buy a starter kit as opposed to individual items? Any recommendations for online or local merchants?

Any advice you could provide would be greatly appreciated.I look forward to joining your community in the coming months.

Many Thanks,

John Nicholson
Chapel Hill, NC
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