All of us have thought a lot about the benefits of keeping bees. We all have heard that the bee numbers are waning. We know we need bees for pollinating everything. We like the idea of having honey and wax on hand, especially because the price of honey is so high.
Laura encouraged the idea of getting a beehive. Lisa encouraged me to learn as much as I can about starting bee colonies. Brad and Ann approved the location on their property east of Parker. Mom offered to pitch in some start up money. So we ordered our first hive with bees.
We are still waiting on the bees. So many have offered support and encouragement that we decided to go ahead and order a second hive with bees. Hopefully we will be able to pick them up on April 25th.
Location: We picked a spot near a tree on the high side of the lot. The tree should offer some shade and hopefully a little protection from the winds.
Invaders: I am planning on building a wooden hive stand to keep them off the ground. Also, we can use some pea gravel for ground cover to limit the weeds from reaching up into the bottom of the hive. That should help keep some of the ants and crawly's out. We can also use some leftover scrap chicken wire and t-posts to help keep the skunks out.
Equipment: This week I purchased a bee smoker with some pellets, as well as a pair of veils, so we are ready when the bees come.
Feeding: I have two Pollen Patties purchased to offer the bees when they are installed in their new hives. I also plan to feed them sugar syrup I can make before we pick them up.
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Starting this blog site is a great idea Paul! Looking forward to learning about bees, hives, and all that goes with it! Should be fun.
ReplyDeleteShould we consider using stone blocks as a base for the hive stands? I worry about the wood rotting or being chewed by rodents in an attempt to get to the honey.
ReplyDeleteThe location, I believe should be fairly rodent resistant. Mice will have to cross a great space of open field, exposed to owls, hawks, coyotes, etc. Also, it is high enough to stay dry and resist rotting. If we do end up with issues, we can make changes as necesary.
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