Getting Started
Apishive.com is always compiling the best practices and start-up tips from commercial and experienced hobbyist beekeepers. We hope you find a concise, easy-to-read as well as video to show you how to start a beehive. Listed below are some critical tips we may of only wished we knew back when we started.
REMEMBER THESE ARE NOT REQUIRED BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Read any beekeeping book you can find at the library, or pick up at local bookstores. Here are few we like.
Join a beekeeping group or club. (Here are list of clubs that are listed by state.)
Research local codes to make sure you can have a beehive.
(Contact county code enforcement for city hives, and or your State Agricultural dept.)
Try to find a current local beekeeper via your local bee club.
Prepare lot’s of questions, then ask. Like 10 frame vs. 8 Frame.
Make a budget: Equipment, Bees, ect. Used Vs. New Equipment, suit, tools. (Bee supplies are not cheap) It’s a good idea to request a catalog from all of the major suppliers: Dadant, W.T. Kelley, Brushy Mountain, Mannlake, Betterbee, Miller Bee Supply, and Rossman Apiaries. Here is a list of equipment you will likely need. Telescoping covers and inner covers, Bottom Board, Entrance Reducer, Hive bodies, Hive Body Frames, Honey Supers, Honey Super Frames, Foundation, Feeders, Smoker, Bee Vail, Suit, Hive Tool.
Get stung: It’s going to happen a lot, confirm you can cope.
Time commitment: Do you have the time?
Be sure to find a mentor or two. Having an experienced beekeeper will help you a lot. Program the mentors phone into yours.
Find resources for buying bees. Click here for suppliers.
Bees are generally bought in the spring. Prepare for April
Arrange to go pick up your bees.
