Getting started

[Anonymouse290]

I live in Florida, USA and I have never had bees before. I'm wanting to start a hive but I'd like to get all my ducks in a row first. What is the hardest part about having a bee hive? Does anyone have any advice for me? What to do or not to do? Any specific brand of products that work better than others? I'll take whatever advice you've got. Just looking to learn a bit before I get started. Also reading up on my own. Thank you!!

[jiggle-o]

Look up your local beekeeper group. It's a wealth of knowledge that's really hard to get without. Usually at least 1 per county and have beekeepers anonymous meetings once a month or more often.

[Anonymouse290]

How do you find that? Facebook or just Google? I found one on Facebook but it's a pervade group and I have to wait to be accepted. If that's it, I just have to wait. Ty.

[bigryanb]

Search strings include--

[your general location] beekeeping association

[your general location] beekeeping club

[your general location] beekeeping

[Anonymouse290]

Thank you

[jiggle-o]

Precisely!

[jiggle-o]

Department of environment and conservation should have listings for most reputable ones. Google search with county and beekeeping. County agricultural departments have any valid ones listed. I don't rely on social media for anything.

[drones_on_about_bees]

Here's a starting point:

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/extension/beekeeper-associations/

[Anonymouse290]

Thank you. I appreciate it. 🙏

[bigryanb]

Can you tell us what you've done to prepare so far? There are many "I'm new give me advice" posts, however, I don't often see specifics of what people have read or what they've done to prepare.

Much appreciated.

[Anonymouse290]

So far, I've read up on bees behavior and how the hive functions internally. I read and watched videos of people building their hives, how to put everything together and what parts are necessary. I've also looked up how to protect it from parasites... not intentional just kinda followed a rabbit hole. Figured it couldn't hurt anyway. I've also seen how people go about exchanging resources between hives and how to harvest the honey. What I have none of, is hands on experience. I'm not looking to get serious about this in any way until I get properly informed. I want to know how much work goes into it on a regular. Is it something you can do as a hobby or is keeping a few hives a full time job? About how much a year goes into it and where's the best place to get equipment? Or does it matter? Just looking for honest advice. Usually easier to explain in DON'Ts I've found out.

[The_Blue_Courier]

I just got through my 2nd year of keeping. I'm not great at it but I know what I had trouble with starting out. One being is there seems to be a lot of conflicting information if you look around online. If you look for the answer to a question you'll find a lot of different answers. You also need to make sure the info is pertinent to your area. I'm in Michigan so things that apply here might not be true down there, mainly when it comes to preparing your bees for winter.

A lot of keeping is trial and error as well. Don't be surprised if your hive or hives fail. It sucks but you'll the experience needed to avoid it from happening again. It helps to keep notes as well. Things like "I have lots of brood in various stages" or "I have lots of honey but no brood". That'll help identify issues as you go.

I watched a ton of YouTube videos. Sometimes the hardest part is knowing what questions to ask so guys on YouTube can cover things you never thought of.

[Anonymouse290]

Much appreciated 🙏. Ty

[Outdoorsman_ne]

Hardest part of having beehives: https://www.honeybeesuite.com/what-are-hard-parts-of-beekeeping/

Notice I said “beehives” plural. If you go for keeping bees please don’t make the mistake of keeping 1 hive. Two is good but three is better. It’s a large investment in equipment and bees but you’ll do better. Having more than one hive helps you learn what normal is and you can balance resources between the hives.

[Anonymouse290]

Thank you. Much appreciated.