[5-sisters-farm]

There’s a woman name Kaley in VA that has a you tube Chanel called The Honeystead. She is really good. She also has classes.

[Jcsc83]

I just started but my brother has for several years I spent last winter watching David Burns on YouTube who is a master beekeeper I had hand me down equipment from my brother but bought a beginner equipment set from Amazon the suit will be the most important thing

[c563]

Your local beekeeper would be best, Contact your county extension office. They should have a list of local beekeepers.

PS Most are always looking for help and that is a great way to learn.

[Momatomic]

I’m looking to add them next year too.

[Private_Cluck]

Many states/counties have beekeepers associations. We are members of the Montgomery County, Texas Beekeepers Association. The local county agriculture extension office can be a good source of information also. A good YouTube channel to check out is Kamon Reynolds – Tennessee Bees.

[Garden-of-Grace-Homestead]

Ty for sharing this link for TN!

[Toni]

Yeah, bees are great! Such busy girls…

Your local beekeepers association would be the best place to start imo. They can help you with information as well as finding bees that should work well in your particular area.

Of course, there are plenty of really good videos on youtube for getting the basic idea of what you might expect to need to learn and be able to do.

Have fun!! 🙂

[Bee]

Totally agree. Some Counties offer free classes.

[Pukalani-Farm]

My advice would “bee” (Did you see what I did there? 😉) to learn first before you ever get bees. The previous comments are excellent. And then, buy or catch local bees from your area only.

[Two_Turtles_Homestead]

Thanks everyone! I will definitely look at local resources!

[Garden-of-Grace-Homestead]

I’m wanting to learn as well. Bought one of those Flow Hives but it hasn’t shipped yet. I have no idea what to do once it does. Where do I get the bees from? Someone said there would be information in the hive on places to purchase. But I’m trying to get ahead of the game. I know they said not to purchase until spring. Is that true? And what are some things you would recommend to help educate myself so I’ll have a happy hive?

[SunshineKid-GardenCoach]

Spring is when you would normally be able to get your bees as that is when beekeepers that sell will be splitting hives to create nucs and packages to buy. However, don’t wait until Spring to try and buy them. Find a local source and get on their list as many of them sell out before they even finish filling all of their pre-orders in Spring.

Try to find some local Beekeeping classes to attend to get a hands on education. My husband, aka Private_Cluck did not take beekeeping classes like I did when we got started but he found some great YouTube channels with lots of videos about beekeeping. He really likes Kaymon Reynolds channel who is a Tennessee beekeeper.

There is a lot to learn but the first thing to realize is that there is a lot of work in keeping bees. Some people may think that bees survive in the wild so they can take care of themselves and yes they can but it you want to keep them healthy and from swarming and looking for another place to live, you need to manage them.

Also, there are a lot of different ways and opinions on keeping bees so don’t get discouraged if you hear people saying different things. @Private_Cluck and I are beekeepers and would be happy to answer any questions you might have so feel free to reach out via private message. There are also a lot of beekeepers on this platform who I am sure would be happy to help as well. Again, the best way to learn is to find a local beekeeper in your area and see if they would mind mentoring you. Good luck! 💕🐝

[Garden-of-Grace-Homestead]

Ty so very much! I just subscribed to Kamon’s YouTube channel and have started watching the videos. I’m gonna do a quick google search to see if I can find any local beekeepers like ya’ll that would be willing to let me come and observe. I’m a visual learner for sure. Guess that’s why I enjoy YouTube so much! Anyway, I’m the type person that wants to help ALL critters! Big and small. My parents and husband still call me Elly Mae Clampet. 🤣 When I realized how bad in danger our little bees are, there was nothing left to do bet get a hive (isn’t that what their little houses are called?). So Flow Hive it was. My husband just shook his head. I believe it will be delivered this coming Spring. By then, I should have made contact with someone who can supply my bees and be educated enough not to kill them right off the bat. 🙏🐝

[Private_Cluck]

You really don’t want to start a new hive this late in the year. I don’t know where you are or your local climate, but the bees likely would not survive the winter. The is little or no nectar flow right now. Bees won’t have enough time to draw comb and store honey, even if you feed them sugar syrup heavily. You should look locally for a source of bees. Check with your local government agriculture extension office. Also, see if there are any local beekeeper associations (they can usually supply training for keeping bees). Extension office can help with that too or search online for a state organization. There are a number of YouTube channels of beekeepers. I recommend watching Kamon Reynolds – Tennessee’s Bees.

[Garden-of-Grace-Homestead]

Ty kindly sir! I’ve subscribed to his video and understand not to purchase bees until Spring and from my area thanks to your lovely wife! I really do appreciate ya’lls help. I’m a full time caregiver to my 37yo disabled son who is living with a TBI. He has been showing some interest in bee keeping and I pray this may be a way to help keep his brain stimulated in a positive way. If not, that’s ok. I’m still Elly Mae and want to mama and take care of everything! so what’s a few more bees right? 😁

[Yoda]

Get them in the spring. Make

Sure you order

More than you are willing to lose. Especially just starting out. 2 is one, 1 is none!

[Garden-of-Grace-Homestead]

Duly noted! Ty kindly sir! 👍

[Geezer]

Usually lots of money In bees but someone else gets it

[Garden-of-Grace-Homestead]

Guess it’s a good thing I’m not in it for the money huh? 😁 I’m just in it to help the little guys out! And my garden of course. My husband might think differently though! 🙃

[8balkalinesoil]

Watch David Burns Beekeeping on YouTube. He addresses monthly bee development. Watch videos before you get two Nucs in the spring, so you know what you’re doing. Bees are expensive at first. Knowledge will help you make wise spending decisions. The girls do the work. The drones (males) just mate with the queen. As far as I know. The girls kick the drones out of the hive in the winter because they are extra mouthes to feed. I bought books on bees but learned quicker from videos. Ditto on the other bee YouTubers that have been recommended. I’d recommend an Ultrabreeze bee suit.

[rustyw0703]

Hello! I just joined and this was one of the things was hoping to get some info on….bees! Been thinking about learning about and then keeping bees…know nothing about it currently. For any of you that have bees do you feel its worth it? I hear lots of stories about colony collapse? Do they leave your hive after you get them started? Like anything else will need to be dedicated and put the time and effort into learning and keeping bees! Just looking for advice and especially and good reference materials you might recommend. Thanks!