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New to bees

PostPosted:09 Oct 2019, 11:44
by jakeyblake4
Hey guys,I'm a farmer in Staffordshire and was looking at getting some hives for the farm as we have alot of educational access visits,disabled adults and people coming from the army with PTSD and think it would be a nice asset and interesting for them,if never dealt with bees and was going to do a start up course but there not till April and I was hoping to get everything ready this winter to start next year,is there any winter courses you no of anywhere and is it weird if i ask if i can come and help you out with your bees for a arvo or morning to see how you do it and see if its pos on the farm? Ect!
thank you
Jacob blakemore

Re: New to bees

PostPosted:09 Oct 2019, 12:23
by NigelP
Jake, one thing to do is to contact your local associations and see if they are running beekeeping courses. I know Harrogate and Ripon do a winter theory course, leading into the summer practical work. But that will be a bit too far for you.

Most inspections have finished for this year with most beekeepers now finishing off winter feeding and treating for varroa.
I'd suggest there is little practical stuff you can do at the moment except, perhaps start making a list of all the equipment you need and then watch out for the January sales. You will need a ,lot more than you think you need.

Re: New to bees

PostPosted:09 Oct 2019, 13:24
by AdamD
You can get hold of a couple of book - either borrow from you local library or look online for a beginners book or two. Northern Bee Books sell lots. If you join a local beekeeping association, they will probably have some that you can borrow too.

Re: New to bees

PostPosted:09 Oct 2019, 13:44
by mikemadf
Hi Jacob.
Staffs is a big place: there are two associations one for North Staffs and one for South Staffs..

I am in North Satffs..(near SToke on Trent)..
If you are anywhere near, there message me and we can talk.

If not, contact SOuth STaffs BKAssociation.

Re: New to bees

PostPosted:09 Oct 2019, 18:09
by Alfred
Get the local assc or individual members to set up a site on your patch.
You can then do beekeeping by proxy at their expense until you've learned enough to go it alone

Re: New to bees

PostPosted:09 Oct 2019, 19:39
by Caroline
Hi Jacob,

A great idea to add more interest for educational visits.

One bit of advice, if you do go ahead and have hives I would suggest locating them away from any other areas of the farm where visitors have access, so that any visitors who are anxious or have a potential allergy to bee stings can avoid this hazard whilst still enjoying the other animals / areas of interest.

If you have horses hives should not be nearby, as horses get very agitated when bees are around.

Your local association will be able to advise you regarding siting of hives etc.

Good luck

Re: New to bees

PostPosted:09 Oct 2019, 20:39
by NigelP
Caroline wrote:
09 Oct 2019, 19:39
If you have horses hives should not be nearby, as horses get very agitated when bees are around.
Sorry Caroline but going to call this myth out. I have had horses in the two adjacent fields to my hives in my garden. for several years and never had a problem and neither have the horses....I have an expensive carrot bill!

I'm willing to listen to any rational reasons why this myth (IMHO) gets repeated

Re: New to bees

PostPosted:09 Oct 2019, 23:33
by MickBBKA
I agree with Nigel. As usual with people who are precious about their pets ( horse owners being about the worst ) they think everything that isn't their pet is out to get it. I kept 4 colonies at a local livery for 4 years about 20 yards from the nearest stable. One day a very haughty lady demanded to know why my bees were there and how recently I had brought them. The look on her face when I told her they had been there 3 years at that point was a picture. She hadn't even seen them right under her nose. The horses in the paddock often used to come over and watch me inspect the colonies. Carrots for the horses, doggie treats for the dogs and a jar or 2 of honey for the livery owner and everyone was happy. Apart from the horsey woman :D

Re: New to bees

PostPosted:10 Oct 2019, 08:57
by Alfred
It's the opposite in my case,the hives being secluded well out of sight and no-one being told of their presence.
I'm chatting with the church warden as he's trimming the hedge outside the village hall.He points out the tumps of clover bloom on the lawn that he had carefully mowed around.
I saved those for you ,he said.

Re: New to bees

PostPosted:10 Oct 2019, 17:06
by Chrisbarlow
I agree with Nigel and Mick. I have two apiaries next to paddocks. No issues for me or the horses. A friend has her apiary in a paddock and she has no issues. One apiary has been there a decade just about, the other 5+years.