Posts Tagged ‘Beginning Beekeeping’

Contrary to what you might think starting a beekeeping business is not that difficult. It doesn’t require a lot of knowledge, special skill or even a large investment. It does involve learning a little about bees and the types of things you will need. Find out More

Although starting is not difficult, most beekeepers enjoy their new found business because it is a project in which you will continually learn.

-First Step-
Your first step in a beekeeping business is to read about beekeeping and the process, then you will need to purchase the equipment you need. Stay away from used equipment, or if you do purchase used equipment be sure to get it inspected by an expert. You don’t want to purchase hives that have had a previous virus, or illness, and which scares away new bees.

-Second Step – Figuring out the Type of Hive You Want-
In most cases it’s hard to give a general “best” hive to buy. It really depends on the region you are in. The best thing you can do is talk to local beekeepers and ask them what they use, and which works best for that area.

-Third Step-
You now need to add bees to your hive, and you can do that in one of three ways. You can use a nucleus, a package, or a swarm.

The nucleus is where you buy a 3 to 5 frame, hive with a brood and a laying queen. You usually buy a “nuc” with bees of all ages. You will also need to feed the bees immediately after installation and until they get used to their new home.

*Package*
This is where bees are sold by the pound with a laying queen that is inside the main bee cage. The package comes with a sugar feeder so the bees won’t starve while you transport them. The length of time it takes to install a package depends on where you live, and you should get advice from a local beekeeping association, or beekeeper.

*Swarms*
There are beekeepers that catch swarms and they use these to supplement their hives, but this system sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t, because of the risk of the onset of Tracheal Mites or Varroa. The good thing about this method is that the swarms march right in and go to work immediately.

-Fourth Step – Your Equipment-
Your best bet is to start getting different suppliers and comparing prices. In the first year though, you probably won’t need an extractor, because your harvest will likely be small. You probably want cut comb honey instead of extracted honey for that first year.

*A Smoker*
Depending on the type of hive you get, you may need a smoker, as these help calm the bees while you are doing your inspection. The best of these comes in copper, so it lasts for a long time.

*Your Protective Suit*
You need some type of protective suit, and you don’t want to skimp here. A little piece of netting on a flimsy hat won’t do. You need something that wont com loose and let a bee get caught inside.

You don’t need to overspend here, and so you want a dealer that is honest, not someone who will try to sell you every product on the market.

As you can see, you don’t need a lot of equipment, and for a lucrative business, you don’t have to make much of an initial investment, but you do need to read up on bee husbandry, so that you do a good job of managing your bees.

When you first start a beekeeping business you may feel overwhelmed with the huge amount of choices you have when it comes to beekeeping equipment. There are a lot of beekeeping product suppliers, and unless you are familiar with the basic equipment you will need, you won’t know what basic beekeeping tools you will need, and which you won’t. In this article, we will go over the basic equipment you need, and what you absolutely must have, and what you can do without.
-The Most Important Equipment is the Hive-
First you need to think about the hives you get. The hive is the absolute most important piece of equipment you have, and you need to take the time to educate yourself and find the right hive for your needs, the type of beekeeping you want and the area you are in.
When you choose your bee hive you can’t let the cost affect your decision. You need to choose a hive that is well constructed, made of quality wood. If you can find red cedar, all the better. You see, cedar smells good and is also very attractive. Pine is also used for hives but it isn’t as stable as other types of wood. Hives that are made of cedar will not warp and the oils keep the wood very stable.
Once you have looked at different types of hives and asked other local beekeepers what the best hive is for your area, and have chosen the one you want, then its time to go on and look for other equipment.
-The Bees Themselves-
At this point you will need to decide on whether or not you plan on buying a bee colony, or whether you plan on harvesting a swarm. It is easier to buy them, and less dangerous and risky than harvesting them, although it is a little more expensive too.
-The Smoker-
Your next essential item is the “smoker.” This item is what allows you to check the hive without being stung. A puff or two of smoke calms the bees down and lets you check the hive while they are disoriented. The smoker allows you to manage the hives safely. When you don’t use one, you need to have a top-bar hive, or you risk the chance of being stung.
-Protective Apparel-
You should also get some protective clothing like a bee suit so that you protect yourself from being stung, while you work on the hives. The protective clothing also keeps the honey bees from getting into your clothing. Not only that, but a bee suit will also keep you cooler when you work in the sun.
-Hive Tools and Gloves-
You need to use hive tools to extract the honey and the wax from the hive, you also need the tools to open the hive up. Hive tools come in handy for everything you need that relates to hives.
Gloves are also an item that you might consider getting. Gloves will keep bees from stinging your hands and wrists. They will also help you keep bees from going up into your skin, and stinging you.
Other smaller items you will need are bee feed and honey comb supplies, which the supplier can help you acquire. Essentially that is all the equipment you will need to start your beekeeping business. As you can see, for a business, the investment is minimal. This is good news if you are looking for a home based business that will bring in that extra income you need.

Beekeeping is a great home business and a way to make extra income, which many people overlook. There are a five secrets to successful bee keeping that can help you decide on whether this is the right endeavour for you or not.

How to install Package Bees

Secret #1
Beekeeping is about learning local techniques and knowledge but adding a bit of scientific and technical knowledge too. If you acquire and apply knowledge in biology and entomology to your beekeeping, you can do the maintenance more naturally and use less chemicals and supplements in your beekeeping endeavors.

Secret #2
Research shows that this is an ideal business for women, especially women who enjoy doing something that requires care, attention and careful manipulation. Beekeeping is for the outdoor lover, and people that enjoy being outdoors love it even more than gardening.

Secret #3
Beekeeping is generally speaking a local process, so what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another if he, or she, lives in a distant area. But beekeeping is possible in many areas you wouldn’t think possible, when the conditions are planned and considered by the beekeeper. For instance, beekeeping is possible in arid areas, or where other crops have failed. This is because the roots of trees that have nectar can still reach the water table.

Secret #4

Beekeeping is not difficult, but it’s not easy either. There is a profit to be had, but you need the cooperation of the bees. You need to nurture them, and provide for their well being, and you can only do this by watching them and caring for them. It becomes a part of your being, so you need to study, learn, watch and think processes through carefully.

Secret #5
Get good basic equipment. Make sure you have the right hives, and ones that are made well, for the beekeeping process you want. Stay away from used equipment, as it can hold mites. Make sure your hive and your smoker are the best you can afford. With most hives you have to have a smoker, which calms the bees down long enough for you to examine, and maintain the hive.
If you follow the above advice whether you are a man or woman, you should have a very successful beekeeping side business. Your bees will be happy, you will produce enough honey for yourself, your family, your friends, and you can sell the excess amount. You will also benefit in beeswax and other bee products.

The important thing is that you have the qualities needed for a beekeeper. These qualities include liking to work in the outdoors, that you enjoy reading up on beekeeping practices, and that you continually watch your bees to see what their behavior is like.
If you have the passion, the time, and the desire to become a great beekeeper, now is the time to learn! Hopefully the beekeeping secrets and tips above have inspired you to take action and get you started on how to start beekeeping on your own!
I wish you much beekeeping success!