bee keeping

[mooneyes]

not sure where to post this topic but I am looking into starting up a couple hives and I was wondering if anyone on here keeps bees and if you got any info or tips on equiptment and where to order bees, laws, and what to do and NOT to do If you were to a first timer, Thanks a bunch

[DARK30]

I got bees but no bee keeper..he died a long time ago. I thought they couldn't survive without help?

[spivak]

If I were a new beekeeper, I would enroll in the 2 day short course the University of Minnesota offers in spring and fall. The best introduction you could have. Even if you have to get a hotel room for the night it is worth it. They also offer a 1 day course for people who have kept bees for a few or many years. We have one of the best beekeeping centers of information anywhere in the country. Go to the U's HSOforum and search for beekeeping.

[wildernessbob2063]

I would also recommend taking the 2 day course at the U. For the first timer it's a bit overwhelming but once you get into keeping it starts to make sense. I've been at it for about 5 years now and have 12 hives going into winter.

Package bees are available but depending on where you live (closer to the metro) they can be very expensive. Let me know if you're going to get some packages this spring and I can give you the guys number who I order from. You'll want to get them ordered by Feb. Demand is growing. He’s about 10 bucks cheaper per package than the others on hsolist etc.

[cherokee]

http://www.beelab.umn.edu/Education/Public_Courses/Beekeeping_Short_Course/index.htm

Try this link