New bee keeper

[bidwell]

The house I recently moved into has several bee hives available for me to use. They seem to be in good shape but will need new frames. I plan on attending and joining my local bee club for more info but am reaching out on this forum for some expert advice. My question, however broad, is what I need to be doing to get ready?

what equipment I need, reading material, where and when to buy bees, what should or could I be doing to get ready this time of year? 

Thanks for for the help,
Keith

[Cris]

That totally depends on where you are.

[honeyhome]

Hi Keith,

I think joining your local bee club is a fantastic idea. Here's a link to some beginner advice.

[drew]

Sounds like you have the beehive stuffs.? What you are in need of is, feeders for the bees, if there are none.
Also equipment/stuff for yourself. Hat, veil, hive tool, smoker, smoker fuel. So this is a simple list which has MANY options. One thing is not better then the other, just what you are comfortable with and what works with you. LIKE (hat, veil) they can be purchased independently or as a jacket type thing. Choice is yours. Research them on your own and see what you think would work best. NOT what someone says is the best.

Bees, Ruhl bee is one "commercial" place to order. BUT there are many who sell bees in the spring. You do want to get on the purchase list NOW. Those buggers sell out fast. As how to find other sellers. Bee clubs are a good place to ask. Be careful of the "high priced", offers. WHICH is a whole other topic. With good management must bees will also succeed. Bees like to die, keep that in the back of your mind. No matter how "right" you did everything.

Beginning classes!! sign up for some.

Books, I have found there is no one great book. They all have there slant. BUT read 2-3 different ones. You will see the common threads. That common thread is solid advice.

So how helpful was that??? Hopefully it brings up more questions.