Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Beekeeping: An Introductory Guide

Beekeeping as a pastime is fast becoming one of
the top hobbies for people of all ages and
backgrounds - and not just in the countryside.
Beekeeping is becoming very popular for city
dwellers too.

For some, even those with a strong desire to
start beekeeping, the whole idea of keeping bees
in your backyard may seem a little daunting. But
any prospective beekeeper can easily overcome
this fear with a little help. This article will
hopefully help you to make a good start on your
beekeeping adventure.

Beekeeping Equipment

Every beekeeper's goal is to be able to raise
healthy and productive bees. In order for you to
get this result, the first thing you need to do
is to make sure that you are well prepared for
the challenge by getting all the necessary
equipment you need to keep bees.

Beehive

The first thing that you need to get is, of
course, a beehive. There are many types of
beehives out on the market today and it can be
difficult to know which one to choose. Each type
has their pros and cons, but as a general guide
choose whichever type is most popular in your
area. If you do not know any beekeepers, your
local beekeeping association will be able to
guide you.

Protective Clothing

Next, you will need to suit up with all the
necessary apparel for the job. It is very
important that you get yourself either a full
beekeeping suit, or at least a beekeeping hat and
veil. Although bees only sting in self defense,
you still need to make sure that you always have
the proper protection when handling them.

A pair of leather gloves is also a good idea.
Experienced beekeepers often do without gloves,
but as a beginner it is advisable to take extra
precautions.

Other Beekeeping Equipment

Other equipment needed is a smoker (to make the
bees more manageable when you are working at the
hive), and a bee feeder (to top up the bees diet,
usually for the winter).

Bees

After you're done dealing with the equipment and
apparel, you can then go out to look for the bees
that will populate your hive. The best time to
get bees is in the spring, so that they have a
chance to settle in to their new home and start
producing honey in their first season.

Again, your local beekeeping association is a
good place to try for your bees. Although members
will not always have bees available, if they do
beginning beekeepers are often given first
preference. If not, then you can try to source
your bees from specialist breeders near you. Some
suppliers will even be able to provide you with a
starter colony by registered mail if you prefer.
As with most things nowadays, do a search on the
internet and you will find potential suppliers.

Beekeeping will be a relaxing, rewarding, and
fruitful hobby for you as long as you start off
on the right foot. It definitely is an ongoing
learning experience, but all the more enjoyable
for that. Get all the necessary equipment, learn
as much as you can about beekeeping before you
start, but most important of all - do start!

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Val Wilson is passionate about all things
beekeeping! It is an incredibly rewarding hobby
in so many ways, so if you would like more
information about how to start beekeeping, go to
http://www.bestbeekeeping.com and sign up for
the FREE 7 day beekeeping ecourse.

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