bee keeping

[chris1970]

Hi can anyone out there tell me how time consuming bee keeping is have read some books but just want ahonest answer from any bee keepers out there ?

Thanks

[Clanad]

It really does not involve time-intensive attention. After the initial set up of the super and frames, which should take the novice about 4 hours per unit, selecting an appropriate site (farmers usually welcome them) may take some time. Most amateur bee keepers maintain only one super which contains around 12 to 20 frames depending on the size of the super. The frames are devices that hold beeswax for the bees to build their hives on and fit within the super or box. You need to determine your other needs, such as smokers, feeders (for cold weather maintenance and bacteria control) and a base and entrance for the super. This is all probably going to cost around $300 U.S. A queen and hive of bees will probably be around $100 U.S. I've kept bees for years, here in the western U.S., primarily for the entertainment value...I'd recommend it, but they do need maintenance. Good luck!

[bubblebubble]

Bees usually need a lot of keeping as they are very social insects and love nothing more than a long jaunt around the countryside. One option is to attach long threads of elastic to each bee, thereby resticting the amount of time that they can fly away before being snapped back into the hive. Job done!

[tellboy]

I keep bees.

The answer is as much or as little time as you want. There are plenty of "leave alone" beekeepers who let them just get on with it. If you want to just observe bees that is the way. If you want to manage them and produce honey for yourself or selling you best check on them every 10 days for a few minutes per hive during the warmer months only. Give it a go you will enjoy it. There is certainly a bee club near you and they just love getting a new beekeeper. They are all very nice people.

[tellboy]

Should have mentioned. If you get in contact with a club. They usually run beginners courses. I am speaking UK here. They will almost certainly loan you a hive and set up some bees to see if it is for you.

http://www.bbka.org.uk/ will advise of UK clubs near you.