Bees!

[wordwitch]

So last year I took a three-evening, 8-hour class on keeping bees, with emphasis on top-bar hives. This year I took my test, applied for the permit, and joined a beekeeping association.

I now have three pink beehives, Langstroff (wax-foundation) in nature, 2 set up at a horse ranch, and one now, me having passed my inspection, at my home. Mayyybee I'll be able to set up a second one later, depending on bee-availability.

I am, naturally, anxious about them. Those here are calm, and have gone out during sunny calm weather, but they are mostly still clumped up around the queen's cage, and are drinking up their syrup. I am considering moving them and checking on the queen later today.

Beeees!

My teacher comments:

wait for warmer weather... bees are working hard to keep their maternity ward warm and dry... first opening in temps below 60 might cause more harm than good.

Comments

[parhelion]

Hi! Also, bees! Do you find the temptation when just starting out is wanting to help them along a wee bit too much? I'm always fussy when I try something new (like orchids).

[wordwitch]

I'm trying so hard to be good! But I admit I took the lid off the hive in the barn, since it was under cover, and peeked at what was going on. Didn't take out any frames, and they didn't seem to mind: just kept at their business. Which currently seems to be keeping the queen warm.

Hi you!

Good Luck!

[ladyholder]

I hope that the bee keeping thing works out well for you. Because it sounds *very* cool. And you get something tasty out of it. Yum.

~L

Re: Good Luck!

[wordwitch]

*glee* Yes, and I've been practicing making lotions and salves out of beeswax, too!

Re: Good Luck!

[ladyholder]

Ohhhh.... Candles too. Very cool.

~L

[elayna]

Bees are cool!

[wordwitch]

You said it!

[azureavian.livejournal.com]

I'm also interested in bee keeping but it will have to wait til I can somehow get trained in it. I don't just want to google stuff and try it on my own. I want to use it for mead making and also, just because I like bees. =)

[wordwitch]

Check your local laws first-off : if it's nobody's business, then find and join your local beekeeping association. If it's regulated, the local extension office may have someone! Good luck!