Getting Started

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Remember if you ask 3 different beekeepers you will get 5 different answers. The best advice before taking up beekeeping is to join your local beekeeping group

Taking up Beekeeping it it worth remembering that you will be looking after a colony of animals (each hive can contain 60,000 bees) and you should  do your research before taking up this fascinating pastime and take consideration of the following:

  • Is there anyone likely to come in contact with your bees who is highly allergic to stings (family neighbours etc)
  • You will be stung
  • You will be lifting heavy objects
  • Beekeeping is time consuming particularly April to August
  • It not a cheap pastime

Equipment

To get started  with beekeeping you will need the following:

  • A Hive
  • A Bee suit
  • Gloves
  • Hive tool
  • Wellies
  • Smoker
  • Notebook
  • Insurance
  • Bees

It is always best to source your bees locally as they will be suitable for the local climate.

Later in you will need the following

  • More hives
  • Crown of Thorne
  • Queen marking pen
  • Nucleus box
  • Feeders
  • Honey extraction kit
  • Disease treatment applicators