For the Love of Bee's

In effort to keep track of my learning curve with my newest hobby- 

I decided to dedicate a page to my pets which are coming in April! 

Bees!

I have been taking classes from a local beekeeper for about a year to learn more. I wanted to be sure this was something I really wanted to do this before I dove in. Now the time is almost here!

Over the winter months I have been preparing. This means:

• getting your hive ready 
• site selection
• applying for a permit (depending on where you live) 
• getting needed supplies
• ordering your bees

I have my hive.(thank you hunny!) 

Even though I ordered it already painted- I still had some things I needed to take care of. I needed to build a stand for the hive. It can not sit on the ground. Due to where I live (Minnesota) it also can not be more than 6" above the ground. 

I used what I had on hand. Some old 2x4's that I cut to fit the bottom board. I will be painting them later to help them last longer.

I also needed to add ventilation holes. The holes allow for air flow in the hot months. In cooler months they are closed off with a plug. You can see the black plugs I have in the holes pictured here.

I also have shown the entrance reducer is in the smallest position. When you get a new colony they are small and weak and need a smaller entrance so they can easily defend their hive.

I ordered my bees in January. I decided to start with Italian bees as they are gentle and great honey producers. This is a vital preparing step because if you wait they will sell out! I decided to go with the larger option, three pounds, which come about 2 weeks later. I live in Minnesota and with a later spring there is not always a lot of food for the bees. I am hoping the extra time will help them have more food when they arrive from California. 

Did you know the bees first food in the spring comes from maple trees and dandelions?

I sent in my permit this month. I am meeting with my mentor in a couple weeks to discuss the final site selection. I live in the river valley which means I am on a hill. The hive is suppose to be level. I am hoping my mentor will be able to help me out in this area. Generally, your hive should be placed in a sunny, well drained location, with wind protection and facing East (the sunrise).

I also ordered myself a veil, gloves, a bee brush, hive tool, queen excluder (did not come with hive), a green drone frame (to help control mites) and a smoker. I also have two spray bottles ready which I will be using when the bees come to give them sugar water and water. I decided to forgo the bee suit. We will see if I regret that or not. 

My next project is to make my raccoon deterrent. I will be cutting up an old piece of carpet and adding nails to it (pointing up). This is to prevent the raccoons from sitting outside my hive and eating the bees!

Well until my next update, that is the Buzz!!

Blessings!!