Bee keeping

[Rob_H]

I've had another of my mad ideas and decided to keep bees from next year - haven't got a clue where to start and I know there's websites on it but there's normally a wealth of knowledge on here that I thought this was as good a place as any to start - any tips or advice?

 

[Mike.C]

Adam is your man if you want to know anything about bees.

http://www.geocities.com/asleitch/main.html

Cheers

Mike

 

[Fecn]

I've had another of my mad ideas and decided to keep bees from next year

I bet that'll give you a good buzz! (Sorry.. couldn't resist)

 

[DomValente]

Rob_H wrote:

haven't got a clue where to start

1) get some bees



Dom

 

[Rob_H]

Rob_H wrote:

haven't got a clue where to start

1) get some bees



Dom

Thought they might be a little bit more to it than that but ok. On yr advice, Dom I'm heading out to catch some bees this morning- haven't got anywhere for them to live yet but hey ho! Unless there's just a little more to it.....

 

[Bodrighy]

Check out these guys

Pete

 

[Rob_H]

Thanks - looks very useful. Just dropped my next plan on Mrs H which is to keep goats. She despairs apparently.

 

[Paul Chapman]

She despairs apparently.

Really........ :? :?

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[PowerTool]

Thanks - looks very useful. Just dropped my next plan on Mrs H which is to keep goats. She despairs apparently.

Great way of getting rid of kitchen waste - goats seem to eat just about anything.
I find goat milk very rich,although goat cheese is nice - is this part of your plan ?

Andrew

 

[DomValente]

And goats cheese with honey is delicious.

Dom

 

[Rob_H]

Pygmy goats rather than dairy goats which I plan to keep in the orchard although Mrs H has pointed out that they will probably strip the bark off her fruit trees and kill them so some sort of fencing is required, I think.

 

[Bodrighy]

You do realise that if you want keep goats you will have to register with DEFRA first. No reliable breeder will sell you a single goat unless you are either registered or applying for registration.

Pete

 

[Rob_H]

Yes - got a link to the online forms from a goat breeder today. All seems very straight forward surprisingly

 

[Adam]

I've had another of my mad ideas and decided to keep bees from next year - haven't got a clue where to start and I know there's websites on it but there's normally a wealth of knowledge on here that I thought this was as good a place as any to start - any tips or advice?

Main thing is to get yourself joined up with your local association - and, presuming that they run an evening class (most do - if not find one that does and travel) and get that under your belt. Then in the spring, find a club that does practical hands on apiary training and do that. If you are really keen, get some kit (second hand - find a local association that does an auction) or new if you have the £££ and put your name down with the club/police for picking up swarms.

Easiest thing is for me to talk you through the process by phone. PM me a phone number and I'll give you a call sometime.

Adam

 

[Rob_H]

Thanks, Adam. PM on the way. Rob

 

[Bodrighy]

Is there any subject that can't be covered by someone on this forum?:lol:

 

[DomValente]

Oh yes here's the list

Dom

 

[Philly]

Oh Dom, you is sooo funny :roll: :lol:
Philly

 

[Losos]

Heavens, goats and bees

Rob, have you discovered how to cram 50 hours into a normal day :lol:

My brother keeps bees and they require a lot of time and someone once told me goats are not as simple to keep as you might think.

Still, I admire you're enthsiasm, and after you've talked to Adam it may not seem so big a mountain.

I considered keeping bees about 15 years ago and after some initial investigation I just knew I would never have the time.

 

[Rob_H]

Heavens, goats and bees

Rob, have you discovered how to cram 50 hours into a normal day :lol:

My brother keeps bees and they require a lot of time and someone once told me goats are not as simple to keep as you might think.

Still, I admire you're enthsiasm, and after you've talked to Adam it may not seem so big a mountain.

I considered keeping bees about 15 years ago and after some initial investigation I just knew I would never have the time.

I've just moved my job from London to nearer home and cut my daily commute from 4hrs to about 30 minutes so I have a bit more time than I used to. Having just spoken to Adam - very helpful, Adam, thank you - it doesn't sound too time consuming but I'm going to pop along to the local association and have a look. I am going to start to build a shelter for the pygmy goats after my holiday at the end of the month so you haven't dissuaded me!! I didn't mention that the chickens are arriving next month too but I'm sure I'll cram it all in somehow.