How to keep bees by chasmyn

How I did it: I took a beekeeping class at a local University when it was offered. My husband built me some Warre hives from instructions we found on the internet. I joined my local bee club and managed to find a beekeeper that used no chemicals for his bees, and he was happy to mentor me. I also made lots of use of the Warre online beekeeping community since not many beekeepers use these hives, at least not local to me. since I am not legally allowed to keep bees where I live, I asked a local organic blueberry farmer if I could keep my bees on his property.

Lessons & tips: If you can at all, have your bees CLOSE where you're able to visit the hive daily with ease. I think this is key, being able to monitor the hive activity. Ask all of your questions. Take the class first. Learn about how to be around bees. relax. have fun. enjoy the bees and their zen-ness. don't be afraid of being stung. Respect the bees and know that YOU are the intruder into their home. Try not to mess with them very much. Plant lots of flowers near them.

Resources: Google "warre beekeeping" and "natural beekeeping"


 

Apr 07, 2011, 06:23PM PDT | 6 comments | 6 cheers


Comments:

nevadagirlamber Is on the road

Way cool!

I can’t wait to do this, I have had it as a goal for a couple years now. We are in the high desert, so our rough winters really make finding the perfect time essential. Thanks for the inspiration.!!

Apr 07, 2011, 06:58PM PDT | Respond to this

Stefani

Awesome!

I hope one day I can have the opportunity to keep bees!

Apr 07, 2011, 07:09PM PDT | Respond to this

(This comment was deleted.)

Apr 07, 2011, 08:50PM PDT

Psychia22

I admire what you've done

i briefly thought about keeping bees so that i could get honey to give to my mother who suffers from allergies but i was not convinced i had the space or funds to buy the equipment- so i commend you for finding joy (and taking the risk of getting stung) in order to harbor one of our best pollinators

Apr 07, 2011, 09:27PM PDT | Respond to this

chasmyn

The thing about getting stung – it doesn’t really hurt, not more than a quick needle prick. and the bees only really sting when they’re provoked – they really won’t otherwise. I’ve been stung all of three times, and each time it was my fault – accidentally crushing them or trying to get them into the hive when they were settled in the box I’d caught the swarm in, etc.

The bees sense what we feel – if we are calm, the bees aren’t bothered. my son would go with me to see the bees, and a couple of times neither of us wore veils, and we were fine. They sting if people approach them with fear, nervousness, trepidation. If we approach feeling good, calm, etc, they won’t be freaked out. it is like meditation, keeping bees.

Apr 07, 2011, 11:34PM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

Lady of Shalott wishes peace and blessings onto the world.

Incredible..

I like bees.. I always have..

Unfortunately I don’t have the land to be doing what you’re doing, but if I ever do, the this is certainly something I think I would love..

Your story is exciting :D Thanks for sharing.

And good luck!!!

Apr 08, 2011, 07:16AM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

chasmyn

Bee space options

Other options would be a space in a community garden or some such thing – and of course, as I said in my original post, I would definitely recommend it be nearby and accessible easily and daily. That might be an option for me in the future, is why I share it. There is always a way when the desire is strong ;-)

Apr 08, 2011, 07:19PM PDT | Respond to this


chasmyn has gotten 6 cheers on this entry.

 

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