Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Big Bee Honey
Welcome to the Big Bee Honey blog. I am a hobby beekeeper and have been involved with bees for about six years. My wife and I live on a ninety acre farm located about seventy five miles north of Ottawa Canada. I keep about twenty hives and thoroughly enjoy all aspects of beekeeping. The aim of this blog is not to provide realms of technical information, but rather, to provide some practical advice based on my experiences with bees.
Why Beekeeping?
Living on a farm, I always wanted to do something with the farm that would provide some kind of income while being a bit fun at the same time. I thought about cows but they seemed to be too much trouble and needing of constant attention. As well, I did not want to get into something that needed a significant investment. Not that I couldn't afford it, I am just cheap and did not want to have to invest significant funds into machinery. By chance, I happened to be speaking to a neighbour who actually lived on our farm where he kept bees. This planted a seed in my mind. Later, at a yard sale, I found a small book on beekeeping which explained some of the various aspects of beekeeping. At another yard sale (I love yard sales) a person was selling honey; turns out she was a beekeeper and I ended up buying one hive and a nuc from her. Since then, I have increased my hives to twenty and become much involved in the local beekeeping association and met all the beekeepers in our area.
Beekeeping is a great hobby which offers many opportunities. If you enjoy learning about nature, you will love beekeeping. I love it because I enjoy learning about bees and find the whole topic of apiculture simply fascinating. As well, the bees produce many products which are pure and natural. Honey purchased from a beekeeper is not the same as store bought honey; it is much better.
Getting Started With Bees
The easiest way to get started with bees is to seek out a local beekeeper who can mentor you and help you to learn about the fascinating world of bees. Beekeepers are very friendly and enjoy nothing more than talking about bees. You won't necessarily have to purchase any bees until you are comfortable working with bees. If you cannot find a local beekeeper, contact your local beekeeping association (try the Internet for a contact number) where you will at least be able to speak to beekeepers and get lots of good information. For a beginner, it is advisable to begin with two hives. The idea behind starting with two hives is that if one does not survive the winter, you will still have another to work with. As well, you can compare the two hives during the year and in that way identify signs of problems in one of your hives.
Why Beekeeping?
Living on a farm, I always wanted to do something with the farm that would provide some kind of income while being a bit fun at the same time. I thought about cows but they seemed to be too much trouble and needing of constant attention. As well, I did not want to get into something that needed a significant investment. Not that I couldn't afford it, I am just cheap and did not want to have to invest significant funds into machinery. By chance, I happened to be speaking to a neighbour who actually lived on our farm where he kept bees. This planted a seed in my mind. Later, at a yard sale, I found a small book on beekeeping which explained some of the various aspects of beekeeping. At another yard sale (I love yard sales) a person was selling honey; turns out she was a beekeeper and I ended up buying one hive and a nuc from her. Since then, I have increased my hives to twenty and become much involved in the local beekeeping association and met all the beekeepers in our area.
Beekeeping is a great hobby which offers many opportunities. If you enjoy learning about nature, you will love beekeeping. I love it because I enjoy learning about bees and find the whole topic of apiculture simply fascinating. As well, the bees produce many products which are pure and natural. Honey purchased from a beekeeper is not the same as store bought honey; it is much better.
Getting Started With Bees
The easiest way to get started with bees is to seek out a local beekeeper who can mentor you and help you to learn about the fascinating world of bees. Beekeepers are very friendly and enjoy nothing more than talking about bees. You won't necessarily have to purchase any bees until you are comfortable working with bees. If you cannot find a local beekeeper, contact your local beekeeping association (try the Internet for a contact number) where you will at least be able to speak to beekeepers and get lots of good information. For a beginner, it is advisable to begin with two hives. The idea behind starting with two hives is that if one does not survive the winter, you will still have another to work with. As well, you can compare the two hives during the year and in that way identify signs of problems in one of your hives.
# posted by Ed Gagnon : 6:21 PM
