newbee question

[rt1068]

Sounds to me like he's a bee man walking alright 

Darn it, my cover has been blown. 

[rt1068]

rt said, "I have found myself searching the net for some land for the future".

It's all over for ya Rick, you just don't realize it yet!
Next you'll be able to identify all manner of plant life wherever you go, you'll really start appreciating the look of just about anything made of stainless steel, and suddenly you'll be noticing those trucks with flat decks on the back thinking, that would be nice to work off of and move hives with. 

I may or may not have given serious thought to trading in my car for an old pick up truck. 

[rt1068]

Rt , how are you planning on starting? Are you buying packages of bees or nucs? Any plans yet.

I haven't totally made up my mind yet. Initially I was thinking buying packages, but lately have been giving serious thought to nucs. I like the idea of the head start that a nuc could give me. But, I will probably end up changing my mind a couple dozen times before it is time to order. What is your preference?

[Jen]

Uh Oh! That's the first sign RT, you're doomed. Who doesn't love Old Pick Up Trucks.... 

[Perry]

In Canada it is different than where you are. In Nova Scotia, packages are brought in from either Hawaii or New Zealand, and it is difficult to buy small quantities. Almost everyone up here starts with nucs anyways.

[Jen]

Actually, I haven't bought either nucs or packages. But believe I've heard more problems with packages than nucs.

[Wandering Man]

Rt , how are you planning on starting? Are you buying packages of bees or nucs? Any plans yet.

I haven't totally made up my mind yet. Initially I was thinking buying packages, but lately have been giving serious thought to nucs. I like the idea of the head start that a nuc could give me. But, I will probably end up changing my mind a couple dozen times before it is time to order. What is your preference?

I bought Nucs.  I'm glad I did, especially since I didn't get the bees until the end of April.  I felt like that was kind of late for my bees to get in stores before Summer hit hard.  The bees were foraging within hours of being placed in their hives.  And we were able to pull a few frames off of the hives to extract without setting the girls back too badly.

They've made it through the Summer dearth, and with the recent rains I expect them to be able to gather sufficient stores for our mild winter. 

-WM

[Bakersdozen]

Actually, I haven't bought either nucs or packages. But believe I've heard more problems with packages than nucs.

From my experience, I haven't found this to be true. 

[lazy shooter]

Two years from now at THE meeting:

"Hello, my name is rt1068 and I'm an addict."

lazy

[neillsayers]

Two years from now at THE meeting:

"Hello, my name is rt1068 and I'm an addict."

lazy

Now that's funny, I don't care who you are!

[rt1068]

Two years from now at THE meeting:

"Hello, my name is rt1068 and I'm an addict."

lazy

I kind of hope you are right   

Rick

[brooksbeefarm]

Perry, i'm surprised that your bees make it through the winter? Talk about cruel Bringing girls over that are used to dancing in grass skirts to a place they have to wear a Eskimo suite and set around a fire in the winter to keep from freezing to death. It's a wonder they don't sting you more than they do. Jack

[Green bee]

Rt , how are you planning on starting? Are you buying packages of bees or nucs? Any plans yet.

I haven't totally made up my mind yet. Initially I was thinking buying packages, but lately have been giving serious thought to nucs. I like the idea of the head start that a nuc could give me. But, I will probably end up changing my mind a couple dozen times before it is time to order. What is your preference?

I am already on a list for two packages. I may just get a nuc and a package just to get that experience and to have something to compare to. Looks to me packages would be a lot easier if you have established hives to draw resources from like comb, brood, honey ect. So the challenge for us new beeks is to try to get some established and learn as much as possible along the way, and get them through the first winter.

[rt1068]

Rt , how are you planning on starting? Are you buying packages of bees or nucs? Any plans yet.

I haven't totally made up my mind yet. Initially I was thinking buying packages, but lately have been giving serious thought to nucs. I like the idea of the head start that a nuc could give me. But, I will probably end up changing my mind a couple dozen times before it is time to order. What is your preference?

I am already on a list for two packages. I may just get a nuc and a package just to get that experience and to have something to compare to. Looks to me packages would be a lot easier if you have established hives to draw resources from like comb, brood, honey ect. So the challenge for us new beeks is to try to get some established and learn as much as possible along the way, and get them through the first winter.

Yeah, I am also thinking of doing like you and getting a package and nuc and compare how each do.  Going to bend the ears of some of the established beeks at my local bee club in order to find out their preference and recommendations.

[brooksbeefarm]

Welcome rt1068, The one of each is a good learning way to start. All you have to do with a nuc is transfer it into a hive body when they out grow the nuc. A package you can put into a hive body on new foundation (new Beeks don't have drawn comb) to start with (or a nuc box), you then have to introduce the queen and hope they accept her, check in 3 or 4 days to see if she is released and hope she is a good one?You should know in 2 to 4 weeks? By then you should be confused enough to order more. Jack

[neillsayers]

Thanks Jack,

I can't get the picture of bees in grass skirts out of my mind!

[Nugget Shooter]

I have learned in a short time that when learning bee math there is no subtraction, just addition and multiplication....

[rt1068]

I have learned in a short time that when learning bee math there is no subtraction, just addition and multiplication....

Yeah, I am definitely getting that impression

[Green bee]

Idk rt1068 I might start with nucs now and try package bees next time. I think I need all the help I can get .

[rt1068]

Idk rt1068 I might start with nucs now and try package bees next time. I think I need all the help I can get .

I am with you on that. I am sure I will need lots of help also but I do think it would be educational to compare the two side by side. Like I said originally, I am sure I will change my mind several times before I actually place an order.