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thinking of starting...
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Posted by orcuttnyc z5-6 NY (My Page) on Fri, Sep 1, 06 at 14:21
I have a dozen fruit trees, many fruit bushes. It was recommended to me to start a bee box.
What are the essentials? I've been googling, but would appreciate all of your opinions. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: thinking of starting...
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| First off, I'd get some education in bee biology. Then invest in a good bee suit, beehive, and essential tools. If possible, find a mentor who can teach you how to handle bees safely. My mentor is a very gentle person whose easy-going ways seem to be especially appreciated by the bees. |
RE: thinking of starting...
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Implied in your message is that you're after the beneficial pollination services the honeybees would offer your fruit trees & bushes. There are state beekeeping laws you will fall under and so beehives have to be kept up and attended to. An option you may want to consider is to allow an existing beekeeper to locate a few of his/her hives on your property. A "commercial" beekeeper may expect a pollination contract while a hobbyist beekeeper may just be thankful for the space to keep a hive or two (yard rental could be trading a few apples for a few pounds of honey). Anyway, I'll leave this for you to work out.
To find local beekeepers in your area, try calling your county ag extention agent, call a local science or nature museum, call your city animal control folks, call a commercial pest control company or even call your local police or fire department. They frequently have a list of beekeepers for Spring swarm removal purposes. Good luck! |
RE: thinking of starting...
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There are bee forums other than this one on the web that are good sources of information.
google: beesource forum
Tending a hive or two is a great hobby and relatively inexpensive. |
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