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Author Topic: Hello from Western Washington!  (Read 2645 times)

Offline AliciaH

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Hello from Western Washington!
« on: February 21, 2008, 03:00:07 pm »
Hello, Everyone!  Have started my research for raising bees and was thrilled with the information on this site!  I've been interested in trying for a long time and when I heard about the decline of so many hives, decided it was time to go for it.  I'm only going to start with one hive, but if I'm successful with the first, we have a lot of room for more.  My avatar is a picture we took of Mt. Ranier from our property. 

My family is very supportive.  My husband, kids, and inlaws all grow giant pumpkins, and my husband wants to try field pumpkins this summer, as well.  The idea of a hive close by brought a lot of thumbs up!

Now, I just have to get my game plan together and get my supplies.  Wish me luck!

Alicia
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Offline asprince

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Re: Hello from Western Washington!
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2008, 03:25:25 pm »
Aliciah, welcome to the forum. You will receive lots of help here, just ask. In addition, be sure to use the search feature when trying to find information.
I would recommend that you start with two hives vs one. It helps to have another hive to draw resources from if you have problems.

Speaking from experience, Steve 
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Offline AliciaH

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Re: Hello from Western Washington!
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2008, 12:55:03 am »
Thanks for the advice, Steve!  I was waffling about one or two, so you helped with that decision.  We have a wood shop and once we got started making stuff, I figured we'd take advantage of time and make more than one hive anyway, so it's settled!

Now that I've made the decision to do this, I can't believe how excited I'm getting!

Alicia
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Offline annette

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Re: Hello from Western Washington!
« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2008, 01:22:49 am »
Alicia,

Welcome to the forum. I am a female beekeeper also and got started in 2006. I started with one hive and now I have two. Two is much better because you can compare the hives to see how they are doing. Also each hive can help the other by switching frames when needed. An example would be if one hive is low on honey than you can take a frame from the other hive and give to the hive that needs it. Many things can be done better with two hives.

You have lots to learn but will get all the help you need right here. This forum has been a life saver for me.

If you haven't already made or bought your equipment, I would suggest you go with all one size medium supers. It is easier to switch out frames within the hive when all frames are the same size. And perhaps an 8 frame super versus a 10 frame super. Those boxes can get unbelievably heavy when filled with honey.

This hobby has been pure delight and I just love taking care of these little critters. Sometimes things go wrong but thats how to we learn. It is very challenging and takes a good commitment. I plan my vacations now around the bees, as they come first for me.

Just ask away any questions you have and good luck

Annette from Placerville, California



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Offline Cindi

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Re: Hello from Western Washington!
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2008, 10:14:10 am »
Alicia, welcome to our forum, you have found this place that will help you to learn about your bees, we have beekeepers that have kept bees their entire lives (well, since they were old enough to walk, at least) to many new beekeepers.  You are wise to listen to those that tell you to keep at least 2 colonies, the reasons have been told.

You will love to spend time here and learn, it is the best tool for learning, lots of ideas.

I love the picture of Mt. Ranier in your avitar, simply beautiful and breathtaking.  A little ways from my home, I can see clearly Mt. Baker.  To see these mountains from a distance as such, is the most beautiful thing to see.  Lovely.

About your family growing giant pumpkins.  When you get the bees, holy smokers!!!  You ain't seen nothin' yet.  With the pollination that the bees will provide to these pumpkins, they will be even more gianter!!!  Yeah!!!  They are gonna have some alien sized pumpkins, just wait and see.....have a wonderful and beautiful day, love our life we're all livin'.  Cindi
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Offline poka-bee

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Re: Hello from Western Washington!
« Reply #5 on: February 22, 2008, 11:21:55 am »
Welcome Alicia!!
I am new too, we are neighbors as I live in Buckley!! 
where abouts in Enumclaw are you??  You are lucky to have a woodshop, I havn't gotten all my equipment yet, hopefully will order today as my bees are coming 4/12!!  You can order them from Trees & Bees in Auburn.  There is another member who lives in Buckley, his name is Sean, you will see his posts.  So nice are these bee people!

Jody
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Offline buzzbee

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Re: Hello from Western Washington!
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2008, 10:08:17 am »
Welcome Alicia,Make you make many friends and learn lots here.
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