Resources (and some advice) for the Beginner Beekeeper
FIRST: Some of my personal history and a little advice... BEFORE starting to keep bees (in Florida, USA)
I read lots of beekeeping books;
I watched lots of beekeeping videos;
I learned some vocabulary;
I joined a local beekeeping club;
I got some "hands on" experience;
I went to Bee College;
I checked local laws;
I joined higher level organizations Florida State Beekeepers Association (FSBA) and
American Beekeeping Federation (ABF);
I made a hive stand, I purchased a hive (there are many types), I scoped-out the best place to set it up, and I purchased some personal equipment.
Then,
over a year after starting preparations, I got some bees!
When I got bees, I knew everything I needed to know about bees!... or so I thought... but, I was wrong!
I also thought that I would be the best beekeeper there ever was, and would have no problems or colony failures!... but, again, I was wrong!
Now, I continue to learn by books, videos, people, and by my mistakes!
Yes, you too
will make mistakes; accept it; deal with it (them!); learn,
and carry on!
Apologies to worldwide beginner beekeepers, for my focus on where I live (Florida, USA)... I can't focus on every location!
That said, I hope that you find my advice and these resources to be helpful in your location.
Bees are bees (wherever they are) and there are
several varieties and many ways to keep them, especially considering location, region, and environment.
Take advantage of great beginner guides like "
Beekeeping in Australia... ", linked below; much of it will apply where you are!
Some very general advice
Choose your hive(s) wisely... there are
many types available. [I'm building a web page on "
How to Choose a Hive" ...soon(ish)]
Get your 2nd hive soon. Two hives are better than one... a lot better! With two, you can compare their healh and one can be used to save the other!
If and when needed, feed your bees! Good nutrition makes good bees and a healthy hive.
Catch problems (beetles, moths, varroa, etc.) early! Don't ignore your hives; big (devastating!) problems can crop up
very quickly!
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Resources for Beginner Beekeepers
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FaceBook's Groups for Beginner Beekeepers |
Websites that Beginner Beekeepers should know about!
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Books for the Beginner Beekeeper
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I've heard this is a great book,
well presented & easily understood.
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An awesome guide, well presented, indexed, and quite comprehensive!
See link, above.
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This book will help you understand the jargon of experiencd beekeepers that you talk to.
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It's one thing to learn about keeping bees.
It's yet another to understand the bees.
Thus, this book is highly recommended!
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