Bee keepers??

Bendman · 02-26-2007, 01:15 PM

I got the crazy idea to get into honey bees. I raise a pretty big garden and thought it would be fun to have my own hives. Any information that someone could offer would be greatly appreciated. I don't have any of the equipment so if anyone has some they don't use or want to sell let me know. Thanks a bunch!

Pete

bassin · 02-26-2007, 02:45 PM

I have had up to 6 hives. It takes a little time. And I will be back into it when I retire. 10 months 14 days 3 hours...... If I were counting.

But with the mites and now the new hive die off. This may not be the best time to start. Figure about 100.00 per hive plus smoker and other tools.
I would start with a book or two. And check in to any local clubs. There must be one around Bend.

Best of luck.

Fast Water · 02-26-2007, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bendman

I got the crazy idea to get into honey bees. I raise a pretty big garden and thought it would be fun to have my own hives. Any information that someone could offer would be greatly appreciated. I don't have any of the equipment so if anyone has some they don't use or want to sell let me know. Thanks a bunch!

Pete

Are you looking for pollination, honey or both?

If you are looking for pollination for your garden I would suggest Mason bees. More bang for the buck but no honey.

"Most mason bees live in holes and can be attracted by drilling short holes in a block of wood. They are excellent spring season pollinators and, since they have no honey to defend, will only sting if squeezed or stepped on. As such, they make excellent garden "pets", since they both pollinate the plants and are safe for children and pets."

WIKI

Bendman · 02-26-2007, 06:27 PM

Probably a little of both. Mostly I think I'm just looking for trouble.

I was born a couple hundred years too late. I like doing everything to sustain myself and family. If all i had to do is grow and hunt food I would be in heaven.

Reel Class · 02-26-2007, 07:27 PM

Any Honey sellers on this thread? I'm a brewer and can make mead (fermented honey) I'm down to may last 6 bottles and am in need of honey for making more. Usually a pure type of honey is best i.e. clover/blackberry/orange. Mixed flowers (wildflower) don't yield as good a finished product. Honey can be store bought for around $3 a pound, so I'd like to pay less. Anybody know anybody?

Oh, it takes 10-15lbs to make a 5 gallon batch.

Trivia: Latin name for honey bee, apis mellinafera (bee, honey bearing)

Fast Water · 02-26-2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bendman

Probably a little of both. Mostly I think I'm just looking for trouble.

Not knowing much at all about bees, I would say that you are looking for Honey bees. Aside your garden, is there enough nectar within a mile or so to sustain a hive? Are there competing hives nearby? Is the mite issue prevalent in your area?

Oregon State Beekeepers Assoc.

Bendman · 02-26-2007, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast Water

Not knowing much at all about bees, I would say that you are looking for Honey bees. Aside your garden, is there enough nectar within a mile or so to sustain a hive? Are there competing hives nearby? Is the mite issue prevalent in your area?

Oregon State Beekeepers Assoc.

Other than my place not much. I probably have more things planted than every house around me combined. Hives? don't know

Mites?

don't know. Totally ignorant, just looking for one more cockamamie project.

Fast Water · 02-26-2007, 08:42 PM

Well good luck to you!! Sound like fun to me. Good education for the kids and/or neighbors.

Check out the OSBA link. There is a central Oregon chapter and a contact you can call/email. They can probably answer all your questions and help you get started.

Fish_N_Russ · 02-26-2007, 09:45 PM

I kept some bees in my 4-H days, and have a couple books that I would sell ya cheap

K16 · 02-27-2007, 06:33 AM

About a year ago I was injured and had a lot of time. I decided I wanted to have bees, so I did a ton of research. I liked everything I read about them and really wanted to have a hive or two but the whole swarming thing put the end to it for me. When the hive gets to big the bees separate and leave your hive and look for a new home. I know there are ways to stop this and or prevent it but, I read that every once in a while you'll miss it and next thing you know there's a swarm hanging from your neighbors house! I just didn't want to get that call. So, it's mason bees for me!!

Woody · 02-27-2007, 06:58 AM

I've kept bees off and on for over 30 yrs. It is a really fun and rewarding hobby. As far as nectar sources, worker bees will fly a mile or more to a nectar source. Nectar sources are not always obvious either. Find your local beekeepers club and attend some meetings and ask questions. My concern these days would be the new species of mites and the mystery "die off" disease.

duckcall · 02-27-2007, 07:33 AM

I have kept bees in the backyard for years. 'Also have a garden and fruit trees. They will fly 2 - 3 miles for gathering. Call Ruhl's beekeeping supply and see if they offer classes for beginners. Beekeeping is a learning experience that not only benefits you, but also the environment. Anything worthwhile is going to require hard work and dedication. Beekeeping is no different. And sweet!

Bendman · 02-28-2007, 08:42 AM

Thanks everyone. I think I may wait this whole mystery bee thing out. Maybee' next year

USS Minnow · 02-28-2007, 10:59 AM

I have a large hive living in a hollow oak tree in the back yard. They have been there for about three years now and seem happy. I tend to humm Winnie the Poo songs when I work around them.

Fast Water · 02-28-2007, 06:09 PM

Hum dum de dum, hum dum de dum
I'm so rumbly in my tumbly
Time to munch an early luncheon
Time for something sweet

Oh I wouldn't climb this tree
If a Pooh flew like a bee
But I wouldn't be a bear then
So I guess I wouldn't care then

Bears love honey and I'm a Pooh bear
So I do care, so I'll climb there
I'm so rumbly in my tumbly
Time for something sweet

TO EATTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!

Musicman · 03-01-2007, 12:27 PM

I didnt' read every single response to this but my opinion is the more the merrier....apparently they are having a huge problem with honey bees in general, a huge die off due to ???, I didn't catch the root cause...maybe mites, bacteria....not sure, but it threatens growers in cali and other areas.....let us know what you find out and decide to do....thanks.

Troutinator · 03-01-2007, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast Water

"Most mason bees live in holes and can be attracted by drilling short holes in a block of wood. They are excellent spring season pollinators and, since they have no honey to defend, will only sting if squeezed or stepped on. As such, they make excellent garden "pets", since they both pollinate the plants and are safe for children and pets."

These guys are really cool to have around. We have a hive that we start every year. It freaks people out because they seem to like people and so it's not unusual to have a few follow you around when your in the back yard. But I've yet to be stung by one.

They sell them at Al's in Woodburn...

Fast Water · 03-01-2007, 02:59 PM

My dad has a few 4x4's x 2' drilled and mounted on the side of his house.

The key is to mount them out of the rain and make sure they have a supply of mud and water.

It is really fun to sit and watch them work the nest. I don't understand how they do the male/female egg laying though. Really weird.