Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[ingo50]

I am considering getting bees this year, know it may be too late, total novice. A local keeper of 30 years experience with 80 hives is selling nuclei( Cost £150 ). Is it too late to install nucs as the main nectar flow is probably over or should I wait until next year? If yes, should one give supplemental feed to encourage a good food store for the winter? I live on the in an area with many large mature gardens and fields / woods not far away. Thanks.

[Dexter's shed]

you only feed bees when they have no stores, ie a new swarm or a colony just after winter, a nuc should have everything, queen,workers and BIAS, so no, no need to feed, we still have a couple of months with luck, I'd suggest though, going on a course, joining your local bee club, reading lots of books, then buying a nuc spring next year

[madasafish]

The first winter is the most difficult time for new beekeers and those who have no knowledge often suffer losses as a result.

I echo Dexter's recommendation.. Handling bees with no knowledge and prior experience is risky in Spring: the odds against survival NOW are worse as there is less good weather to come and one serious error can be fatal.

[Dexter's shed]