Table of Contents
Is it possible to have a small beehive?
Every responsible beekeeper needs to have a swarm control hive near their apiary. A mini hive is suitable for this and can also be used as a swarm lure. Melt some dark comb to the inside panel of the box and let it sit or hang in your yard. Your mini becomes your first line of defense.
How do I start a small beehive?
Follow the steps on How to start a beehive:
- Learn the basics of beekeeping.
- Find out about any local beekeeping regulations in your community.
- Inform your neighbors.
- Buy the beehive.
- But other necessary equipment.
- Pick out a location for your hive.
- You need some safety gear.
- Purchase a swarm to start the colony.
How many splits can you make from one hive?
My experience is (central Kentucky) you can get 4 to 6 from an overwintered hive. You can likely split your 1st splits about 15 May to 1 June. Any splits after 20 June are risky and will require extensive feeding. July and August can be hot and dry.
How do I start a second beehive?
The easiest way is to simply order a queen bee, instead of raising your own queen. Once you have the new queen, you’ll need to transfer bees from your existing colony to the new hive. Take three frames of capped brood from the hive–and all the bees that come with it–and put them in the center of your new beehive.
Where is the best place to put a bee hive?
Location fundamentals for your beehives
- Face your hive to the southeast.
- Position your hive so that it’s easily accessible come honey harvest time.
- Provide a windbreak at the rear of the hive.
- Put the hive in dappled sunlight.
- Make sure the hive has good ventilation.
How many hives do I need to start beekeeping?
For the beginner beekeeper, one hive is all you need to get started with and you can by more as your hive grows. Traditionally, beekeeping hives have always been made out of wood, however, nowadays plastic hive components are readily available.
How do you get bees from one hive to another?
Sometimes using more than one smoker may be necessary to get the swarm where you want them. To transfer the bees from the container to your hive, gently shake the container and give them a nudge. Make sure the hive is ready to receive the new bees.
What do worker bees do after they emerge from the hive?
The worker bee has several different tasks after she emerges from her cell. The job of these worker bees is to take any bees that have died within the hive or larvae that did not grow and remove them from the hive. They will take them far away from the hive, to reduce the likelihood of disease in the hive.
Can bee hives be purchased unassembled?
Beehives can be purchased unassembled or fully assembled. The fully assembled beehive will cost a higher price and will usually have a higher shipping fee as well. A good quality supply house will always include assembly directions with unassembled bee hives, that are usually quite easy to follow.