I picked up my beginner's beekeeping kit yesterday. I couldn't wait to put it together. I'm halfway there. I have to do the foundations, but I put the hive body, inside cover and bottom board together so far. My bees are coming in the first week of April. Does anyone else raise bees in case I have some questions? One I have already is why doesn't the beginning kit come with a hive stand? I thought I needed the stand even if I raise it off the ground. Thanks - Sheryl

-- Sheryl in NJ (all295@aol.com), March 17, 2002

Answers

there are a number of us that raise bees. so ask away. A hive stand can be most anything,, bricks, pallets,, ect. Just make sure, you angle the hive and stand, with a slope,, so the opening is a little lower than the rest. Keeps rain/water from collecting inside,,which can be a problem

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), March 17, 2002.

oh ya,, anothor thing,, paint/varnish/stain your hive bodys now,, BEFORE the bees get here,, mistake I made once,, (just once)

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), March 17, 2002.

Stan, Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it. My brother had them years ago so I'm familiar with some of it but it has changed a lot. We didn't have half the problems with mites, etc. back then. The part I'm talking about is that piece that has the incline in the front. I remember his kit came with one. I thought that the slant front made it easier for the bees to come and go from the hive or something.

I also heard that it was good to get a screen for the bottom board to help control the varroa (sp?) mites. Do I need a whole new bottom board or is it something that goes over the board I already have?

The kit only comes with one hive body. Should I get a deep hive body and a shallow super or should I get a regular hive body and a shallow or deep super? I understand a full deep super weighs approx. 150 lbs. dead weight.

I know I can't take honey this year but I'm all ready. I found 9 cases of canning jars at a house sale this weekend. I'm so excited. Thanks again for all your help. - Sherul

-- Sheryl in NJ (all295@aol.com), March 17, 2002.

I think your referrring to a landing board,, Ive never used them. Its for when you raise the hive above the stand. I just use pallets,, and line the entrance with a board,, to give them the extra 3inches or so. The screened botom board is a mite trap,, that costs extra, All you received with the kit was one hive body? You're going to need another,,inless you dont plan on overwintering them.

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), March 18, 2002.