I hope you got these bees for the purpose of good(honey) instead of evil(weaponized attack bees).

Got two hives last year; checked today both have survived the winter. Took my first beekeeping course a couple of weeks ago and learned a lot. Getting 2 more colonies set up for my bees that will be ready for pick up April 23rd. Good luck with your venture.

Hope there aren't many corn fields around.

So jealous, we want bees, small yards and many kids around, some little git would be alergic.
Hope it all works well.

Best of luck.

I saw somewhwhere that the americans are so daft they round up all the bees and bring them together in california to pollinate the almonds. then divide them up and send the same numbers back to the farms. spreading disease every year to the point of reducing the population. To say nothing of the use of atrivin [ a pesticide ] on ALL the corn that also kills bees

I have an interest in beekeeping. Anyone know of good sources to learn the ins and outs?

Nice!!!!

[scstatebeekeepers.com] a great resource. The organization I work for does a pollinator booth at the state fair and we are always next to the bee keepers and the local farmers who sell honey.

Following your posts to see how this works for you. I was gung-ho to raise bees until I talked to a buddy of mine who tried this here in Colorado two years ago and didn't have good luck because he received a batch of bad bees. I'd love to see you succeed with this, and that in turn could motivate me to give it a shot. Good Luck!

Excuse my ignorance, I know very very little about bee's. I know that they sting, I know in at least some species of bee's the males are only there to mate and I know all but the queen, the female bee's do all the work. You said I hope I get a pull this summer. What does that mean?

Admittedly my apiary experience was in Ireland but I would suggest that you look at what crops, trees, flowers are within a mile or so of your hive. Ask yourself if they add up to an almost year round supply of nectar or if they all flower the same time of year. You can then plant flowering shrubs, etc, as indicated. ?

Good luck ArtsyChick! We buy local honey all the time and it's so good for you! It is the only food that never goes bad.

Been thinking of doing the same thing at one time. It's an awesome idea. This year I've decided to help out the indigenous species instead: I will be building a couple of mason bee hotels. Come to think of it, I better start building those soon...

Dont give up if they all die off on you. That is very common. It can become an expensive hobby. Interested to hear how the flow hive works out.

My neighbor does this and sells honey locally. Next time I run into him I’ll ask for words of wisdom.

That is exciting.. I've been considering it, but I think I need a partner to help me with maintenance.
I hope that you really enjoy your project.
Watch the bee lady scene in "Fried Green Tomatoes "

That is awesome.

So you like the birds and the gees do you ?

Brilliant, love that idea

Congrats! Bees are awesome! Best of luck with them.

Cool, I want to get a hive also. Had several a few years back but bears got them in one night, nothing but slabs or wood and dead bees remained. My first step will be to plant clover. It provides food, and makes a nice green lawn. I also love the way it smells after cutting it. Then a hive inside a chain linked enclosure.