Bee Keeping
Thinking about Practicing the Art of Bee Keeping?
Some people collect rocks or shells as a hobby while others
may find bungee jumping or fishing more suited to their
tastes. There are millions of people around the world
however that is abuzz about their particularly sweet hobby ?
bee keeping! Of course, bee keeping is not just a hobby; it
can also be well-suited for a side job or even a full-time
enterprise. The good news is that to start this buzzing
practice, you do not need much money to get your start.
Considerations before Committing
Bee keeping can be a sweet and rewarding hobby or vocation
but there are a few things to consider before making the
commitment to raise bees. First of all, bee stings for
apiarists (bee keepers) are commonplace so you should be
sure that you and those who will assist you are not
allergic. You will know an allergic reaction to a bee sting
if you see it ? swelling at the sting site, possible welts
or rashes on the body, wheezing and swelling of air
passageways.
While you may be able to handle most of the basics of bee
keeping on your own, it is always helpful to have a partner
help you with some of the chores. Heavy lifting is a
particular problem when moving the hive boxes so having a
helper could be a godsend, unless of course, you can handle
the added burden.
Do the Research
Bee keeping is more than just tending to the hives ? it is
understanding that there are specific duties and activities
that take place at distinct times throughout the year. Bee
keeping duties wait for no man regardless of whether or not
it is the deep cold winter or a sweltering summer.
Apprentice with an apiarist or head to the library to check
out as many books and resources as possible.
You must know the difference between the drones, queen bees
and workers are in order to succeed in bee keeping as the
roles of each are very important to the survival of the
hive. Learn what the frames are for, why you smoke some
hives out and how to harvest honey and the comb produced.
Luckily, bee keeping equipment is not costly nor is it very
cumbersome in terms of maintenance but you must be diligent
in your research to know what you must absolutely purchase.
A bee smoker, a bee suit and veil and a hive tool are the
minimum bee keeping requirements necessary to get the job
done. However, rest assured there is more equipment in the
bee keeping arsenal for winter protection as well as honey
extraction. Your level of commitment as well as your
knowledge and pocketbook will guide you in your new venture
into bee keeping.
Charlie Reese likes bees and working with bees. He also
likes studying (http://addictionandaddiction.blogspot.com)
addiction and (http://addictionandaddiction.blogspot.com)
drug addiction weekly.
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