Bee's

Hi all

Just started up bee keeping. Never knew there was so much to it. But I'm pretty much hooked. So I'm looking for more. Anyone know anyone who would split a hive, or sell a Nuc? PS more enthusiasm than cash!!!

Good on you we used to have bee hives on here for a friend but hes given up and moved on, loved the honey all the best.

Have a look at this article for contacts that might be able to help you...

Where are you? Strong club in the Manawatu and they are currently splitting hives and selling nukes for us new members, particularly around Pahiatua.

Where exactly are you? I'm on the east coast, too, but may be 1000km from where you are. Varroa is ravaging Canterbury at the moment and has been detected in Dunedin so not many freebies around here.

Also - if you are strapped for cash don't take on more hives than you can afford to treat - otherwise they die. I've just made this experience and during the first two years following the initial varroa invasion you have to treat too often to be able to get a worth while honey crop. Also the hives are weak and a lot of work during this period.

Hi everyone, we are also new to beekeeping and find it fascinating. Can anyone tell us if there are any organic remedies we can use in our hives to help control the varroa mite?

Yes, there are organic remedies against varroa but they are not effective enough when varroa first strikes. Varroa has only just reached Dunedin so will probably spread across Southland during the coming 2 years. Organic treatments are more expensive than Bayvarol and Apistan.

If you manage your hives well you may be able to triple the number of your hives this summer/autumn by splitting them. This does, however, mean that you will most likely sacrifice your honey crop.

Also - have you checked with AgriQuality how many hives you may have? If there is a commercial beekeeper in your area with apiaries close to your place you may not be able to have more than 2 hives. First come - first served and - have you registered your hives?

Yes we are in the process of registering. My husband is doing the Agribusiness course. Many thanks for your comments, there is a lot to be aware of isn't there?

we have just aquired two hives from our bee club..... they were split. The good thing with being part of a club is you have some one to ask when you are not sure.