daj198 Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 Hi Lovely Folk! Over the last year I have become increasingly interested in keeping bees and the launch of the beehaus has encouraged me to actually do something about it so I've been reading books and websites these last few days. The main thing that's putting me off at the moment is the fact that I'll be going to university next September... how infrequent could the checks be? Depending on where I go, I can't see myself coming home every weekend to check the bees. I KNEW Omlet would do a plastic bee hive sooner or later... it's the next logical step and I'm glad they have. I'd be saving up for a while though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 Also at the early stage of research but I would say you would be best waiting until your student days are over. Its a big undertaking - use the next few years to learn and research and beekeep for the rest of your life! Join the local beekeepers association and enjoy meetings - you may even find someone who lets you help them out sometimes -I know I would be happy to have help from another keen beginner! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 Hi Dom I agree with Pengy. I've seen a lot of advice that suggests going along to BKA sessions for a year before starting anyway. There will be so much going on at Uni you don't want to tie yourself to having to go back home every w/e. On a related point I see from your signature you're down to one girl. If you want someone local to 'foster/adopt' her whilst you're at Uni I'd be happy to do that, you could visit her any time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 They'll need to ne checked weekly through the season - best to wait I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daj198 Posted August 7, 2009 Author Share Posted August 7, 2009 Thanks for the advice guys... waiting does seem like the most sensible thing to do, but easier said than done. I'm practically dreaming bees! I'll investigate local courses and the local BBKA a bit more, if I can't get them myself for a while, I can still get involved Thanks for the offer Patricia But I'm going in September/October 2010 and so we'll be getting three new friends for Agnes from the BHWT soon. Are you local, then? Next year, if my parents decide to not carry on with chooks, I may take up your kind offer. (Could be more than one though ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beesontoast Posted August 8, 2009 Share Posted August 8, 2009 There is a type of hive that allows you to set up in the spring and leave them entirely alone until the end of the season - it was designed by a Belgian Abbot named Emile Warré and you can read all about it here http://warre.biobees.com It is used by several commercial beekeepers in France, and so has a proven track record. It is not entirely without potential problems, but nevertheless could be a way to get started without worrying about 'looking after' them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OXFORDBEE Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 Please think of your neighbours if you are intending to practice any form of let alone beekeeping.... I've had to remove swarms from a beekeepers garden. Unfortnately the beekeeper was not very good at managing his bees and it drove his neighbours to despair... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melbourne12 Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 I agree that it wouldn't be fair on the bees or your neighbours to keep bees without weekly inspections during the season, but you might consider finding someone as a beekeeping partner. There are several people in our BKA who do this, including allotment neighbours, who can cover for each other during holidays etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 I wouldn't recommend it: you'd have to go home to do weekly inspections jsut at the time of year when you ahd exams. After all, what's the point of having them if you don't get to enjoy them? When you're at uni you'll probably find you'll have a better experience if you're not tied to going home every weekend. You'll probably be able to find a local beekeeping assoc near your uni anyway, which might be a better option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdcambs Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Start a bee club at uni, especially if you have an entomology department. I've given bees that went into Kimbolton School this year; they have hives in their quadrangle apparently. One of their teachers had bees off me to start beekeeping a couple of years ago. Failing that the uni's local association will probably have a teaching apiary you can attend occasionally to get some hands on experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
