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honey bees

most economical way to get started?

Bethany Dutch

pollinator

Posts: 420

Location: Colville, WA Zone 5b

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posted 11 years ago

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One of my stretch goals this year for my homestead is to get a beehive put in. My brother keeps bees and he was telling me it would be about $400 to get started with a hive and a nuc. He's kind of the traditional beekeeper, so I was just curious if anyone here has done something a little more DIY and less costly?

Just me and my kids, off griddin' it - follow along our shenanigans at our YouTube Uncle Dutch Farms.

David Livingston

pollinator

Posts: 4328

Location: Anjou ,France

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posted 11 years ago

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Lowest price free

If you are even less than perfect at wood work and can "obtain " some wood , borrow some tools.
Either the Warré hive (http://www.warre.biobees.com/index.html )
Or top bar hive ( http://www.biobees.com/how_to_start_beekeeping.php )

I have spent less than 100 $ and that was for gloves neting for a veil and a smoker I never use.
If you capture a wild swarm they are free too

and much better than a package
David

Living in Anjou , France,
For the many not for the few
http://www.permies.com/t/80/31583/projects/Permie-Pennies-France#330873

tel jetson

steward

Posts: 3721

Location: woodland, washington

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posted 11 years ago

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I've never purchased bees. swarms are the way to go. cutouts are an option, too, if you're adventurous.

I'll second the Warré suggestion. easy and cheap to build. Perone hives are also cheap and easy, but without the proven track record the Warré hive has.

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Rob Browne

Posts: 65

Location: Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia

posted 11 years ago

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To get going for the least cost just knock up a horizontal top bar hive, link above. The only change to biobee's plans would be to put the entrance holes at the end so the hive expands in one direction. Do a search on Sam Comfort and see his hives, he specialises in "rough" hives. You don't need them to be examples of fine woodwork, the bees don't care so long as its dry.

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Cheers
Rob.

Bethany Dutch

pollinator

Posts: 420

Location: Colville, WA Zone 5b

125

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posted 11 years ago