Beekeeping
Equipment
Beekeeping equipment is important whether you are planning to keep bees as a professional venture or merely a hobby.
For a novice bee keeper, one of the most important decisions is buying the right bee keeping equipment to begin with. This is also an expense that shouldn't be spared. Though some can seem a bit pricey, it should be considered a necessary investment in your new business or new hobby.
The following bee keeping equipment
is standard for most bee keepers
Bee Hives – First, never buy used hives as they could carry diseases, mites or infections that can harm your colonies.
Second, comparison-shopping is fine, but do not scrimp on the price when it comes to one of the most important pieces of bee keeping equipment you will need. Choose hives that are of good quality in terms of construction and durability. Those made of red cedar are among the best recommended options, as the oils in cedar are very stable, which keeps the wood from warping. Remember that hives are outdoor shelters, so be sure to select ones that will stand up to the elements and last several seasons. Hive tools – Special tools are needed not only for extracting Propolis, wax and raw honey from the hives, but tools are also needed to open the hives themselves. As for the construction of the hives, each one should contain a crown board, at least three super boxes (for honey), a queen excluder, a separate brood box and, of course a roof and a floor. HINT: Buying the same brand of equipment helps in terms of adding to your equipment as your business or hobby expands, and interchanging parts if or when necessary.
Other Beekeeping Equipment You Will Need
Smoker – When smoke floods the hives, bees are temporarily disoriented, this gives you a chance to check the hives while they are in a calm state. Protective gear – For obvious reasons, protective gear is essential bee keeping equipment. This includes a bee suit and veil which is very sensible indeed! However, the not so obvious reason is that protective clothing also helps keep you cool when working with your hives in the hot sun and keeps bees from getting stuck on your clothing. Besides protective head, face and body gear, remember to also get protective gloves.....very essential bee keeping equipment! Feeder – Loads of sunflowers, geraniums, marigolds and other brightly colored flowers are recommended for bee keeping gardens, but feeding your bees sugar syrup yourself is also an option although not preferable. To do so, you will need a feeder.
Other bee keeping equipment tools
Other bee keeping equipment tools that are optional is a marking pen and cage for queens and a porter bee escape, which some find to be an invaluable piece of bee keeping equipment while others figure it to be a waste. These bee keeping tools, however, are not mandatory and, as you become more familiar with your bees and your equipment, you can better gauge whether or not you have use for these. Having a firm idea of the bee keeping equipment needed when first starting out helps in preventing overspending, buying the wrong beekeeping equipment or buying equipment that really isn't needed. Also, the right bee keeping equipment reduces the risk of injury for you and your bees. With a modest initial investment good-quality bee keeping equipment can last for years and can create a healthy environment for bees and their keepers. Have fun with your bee keeping equipment and enjoy the health benefits of honey you and your honey bees will make from your own Honey bee Gardens .
Back From Beekeeping Equipment to Beekeeping
Top of Page
Please use my Site Map
For Easy Navigation
Would You Like to Make Money From Your Honey? By Clicking the Link Below You Will Discover Just How
Beekeeping Equipment to Benefits of Honey Home Page
|
