Question About Bee Keeping

[journey11]

You should probably have some sort of contract written out, regarding expectations and liability. Some homeowners insurance may require additional coverage for bees also. Or you may only need to post a warning sign.

 

[so lucky]

Definitely have something in writing that states you are not liable if the bees swarm or die.
You may have to promise not to use certain pesticides.

 

[Nyboy]

Good points Thanks

 

[Nyboy]

Is this a good starter hive http://newjersey.craigslist.org/grd/5353906428.html

 

[catjac1975]

any advise on what I should ask if I let him set up hives in my garden?

Free and a jar of honey. Most bee keeper charge you.

 

[Smart Red]

That sounds like a win/win situation I'd go for, Nyboy. Of course, with my alfalfa fields out back, the bee keeper should be really happy.

 

[journey11]

Is this a good starter hive http://newjersey.craigslist.org/grd/5353906428.html

That looks interesting, like some sort of hybrid between langstroth and Kenyan top bar hive. I'm not familiar with that set up. The bees do like to move upward because it's in their nature to do so. I don't know how well that hive might work. Most people use langstroth hives.

Something like this... http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/8-Frame-English-Garden-Hive/productinfo/254/ An 8-frame lang is going to be a little easier to lift than a 10 (lighter). The garden hive cover is a little more decorative.

 

[Beekissed]

That's called a long hive or long body or horizontal Langstroth hive. I've had the same idea in my head recently and was doing some research on it and, lo and behold, there is nothing new under the sun, as Solomon said...someone had already had the same idea.

It's the kind of bee hive I want to build here by knocking together two old hive bodies and the advantage over the typical TBH is that you can use Lang equipment, the frames are already designed for bee space, so no having to get top bars specially cut to size, etc.

Here's a little vid on one:

A lot of people who are liking the features of a TBH are moving over to the long hive design. This vid also talks a little about swarm catching, which is also something I want to try...nice way to lure in some wild, feral bees who are out surviving on their own and so are already hygienic and hardy.

 

[Nyboy]

Good video Bee. The Bee Keeper is worried about bears. Very very rare where I am, he wants either electric hookup for fence or roof top. I wanted hive in orchard no electric, I put new roof on house no way it going there. I do have a garden shed, it is very visible, if he can make hive look like a cupola that might work. Other wise I will have to have my own hive.

 

[Carol Dee]

Roof Top! I have never seen a hive set up on a roof.