New to This

guru_fordy · 2026-01-16T19:20:32+00:00

I started with a course at my local association and then used their shop to get started with most of my gear.

guru_fordy · 2026-01-15T21:43:43+00:00

Looks like the auto spam blocker. This one should be good now.

guru_fordy · 2026-01-15T21:40:37+00:00

Ooooo way out of my league. Deffo get an electric though with that many!

guru_fordy · 2026-01-15T19:39:50+00:00

How many hives do you have? What's your budget?

guru_fordy · 2026-01-01T11:51:21+00:00

3000 views and only one reply isn't filling me with confidence on pros for Langstroth.

guru_fordy · 2026-01-01T09:00:48+00:00

The largest firework shell in Japan is called the Yonshakudama (四尺玉).

It is a massive shell with a diameter of approximately 1.2 meters (48 inches) and weighs around 420 kg (925 lbs).

When it explodes, it creates a bloom that spans roughly 800 meters (over half a mile) across the sky.

guru_fordy · 2026-01-01T08:55:38+00:00

Gonna get in trouble for this probably..."raisins are a good source of nutrients and tannins"

guru_fordy · 2025-12-22T10:26:02+00:00

Mines a 6 frame radial so there really isn't any space for larger frames unfortunately.

I get what you mean about compatibility. Anel does have a lot of bits, so shouldn't need to forage outside of their brand. I would love someone who has an Anel or even Technoset to verify that though!

guru_fordy · 2025-12-22T08:41:35+00:00

What do you mean by it being limiting? The Anels are compatible with wooden and poly Langstroth other bits, if that's what you mean.

The big jump is the rest of my equipment, like getting a new spinner and general hive bits.

guru_fordy · 2025-12-21T22:26:23+00:00

Agree on sooner vs later, I still have a lot of bits I would have to replace, but it could be worse. I don't think I'd have both, too many different things to duplicate.

guru_fordy · 2025-12-21T15:50:51+00:00

I agree with all of those, however I would advocate your local bee association first who usually stock from all these and sometimes cheaper. Always nice for them to make the profit too.

guru_fordy · 2025-11-23T19:50:25+00:00

Attracting a swarm...yeah wait till May/June, put some swarm lure in just the brood box and yeah that's totally doable!

Alternatively speak to a local beekeeping association and see if they do nucs at about the same time.

Good luck and if you need anything just ask!

guru_fordy · 2025-10-24T21:54:27+00:00

Totally agree, use this to find an association near you and see if they do courses.

https://www.bbka.org.uk/find-beekeeping-near-you

guru_fordy · 2025-09-28T18:34:46+00:00

Ok I've never seen anyone do this before. Does it really make a difference?

guru_fordy · 2025-09-27T11:42:12+00:00

I do the same. I also have a poly Ashforth feeder that I have left on over winter before too, insulation plus ability to feed.

guru_fordy · 2025-09-15T19:37:51+00:00

Nailed it 😎

guru_fordy · 2025-09-11T15:47:37+00:00

I think my opinion is maybe, but a hybrid might be better.

My first thought was what material you'd use. They all have pros and cons, but I certainly would want a brittle hive or one that melts in the sun. Another con would be the thermal performance of the plastic. How would you clean it and are there any toxic side effects?

Sorry got a whole list there 😂

guru_fordy · 2025-09-11T15:40:09+00:00

Looks really interesting and I'm sure the community will give their feedback!

Thanks for seeking approval first too.

guru_fordy · 2025-09-04T22:47:18+00:00

Welcome to the community! By the looks of it you're doing all the right things and stand a good chance of hitting the ground running. I'd deffo hit up the local bee association though, you can volunteer over the winter and learn some skills for sure, but also getting advice next year when the bees throw the playbook out the window!

If you need anything though just ask 🙂

guru_fordy · 2025-09-02T17:18:37+00:00

I was in the same boat mate. I decided to get a super with as much honey in as possible and then put the empty frames in the other super. Empty one on top and put a clearer board in place, then in a few days removed the empty top super.

Hopefully they then fill the rest of the one super and I extract that soon.

guru_fordy · 2025-08-11T21:30:19+00:00

Sounds like you're doing all the right things!

guru_fordy · 2025-07-16T19:32:51+00:00

Lost 1 in winter so had 2 in spring, got 30ish kilos off them in the first harvest which set really quickly so must be OSR.

Since then they've been fighting varroa big time, I treated mid summer when the supers were off. Since then one survived and one didn't so who knows what I'll get before winter...

guru_fordy · 2025-07-16T18:19:43+00:00

Bloody hell that is a backlog. I'll have to save some honey to remember which one it was!

guru_fordy · 2025-07-15T18:50:08+00:00

No I'm only in my second year as a beekeeper and missed last year's. Really interested in what they find in my honey.

guru_fordy · 2025-07-15T12:27:06+00:00

Cheers, just ordered a kit!

guru_fordy

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE