Last year I took a class to learn about bees, at my mother's request. She was so interested in having hives, but there were no classes near her. So, I went to a local one, every Tuesday for six weeks. I enjoyed it thoroughly. At the end of the classes, we took a written test and were supposed to take a practical/field test to become a certified beekeeper. I still haven't taken my practical test. We ended up buying 3 hives from a commercial beekeeper who was going out of business, as many people in the class did. That "once-in-a-lifetime chance" to get hives already booming is still talked about today...not in a good way. We were actually one of the lucky ones who did not lose ALL of the hives they bought. We only lost one, one classmate bought twelve and had naught to show for it.
Mom did get a "package" of bees and a brand new hive last year and they are flourishing, whereas the two surviving hives are somewhat weak. We are really trying to keep them as "natural" as possible without chemicals and medicines. I figure they have been around for centuries without us, so...
Not really having any experience in harvesting honey, we just took a shot in the dark at it. We attended one beekeeper meeting where a long-time beekeeper showed us how to extract the honey. It was great to see. But we didn't have any of that fancy-schmancy equipment, nor the funds to just buy it. It can be a pricey venture. He had the extractor, the hot knife, so on and so forth. We just had a honey super (the smallest level on top of the hive)that was so full that we were afraid the bees would swarm. That means the queen and thousands of her closest friends will find a better place to work, usually in someone's yard who doesn't want them there. And that would be the end of our investment.
Not really having any experience in harvesting honey, we just took a shot in the dark at it. We attended one beekeeper meeting where a long-time beekeeper showed us how to extract the honey. It was great to see. But we didn't have any of that fancy-schmancy equipment, nor the funds to just buy it. It can be a pricey venture. He had the extractor, the hot knife, so on and so forth. We just had a honey super (the smallest level on top of the hive)that was so full that we were afraid the bees would swarm. That means the queen and thousands of her closest friends will find a better place to work, usually in someone's yard who doesn't want them there. And that would be the end of our investment.
So, we suited up. We do have hats. I just don't want a bee flying up my nose or stinging me in the 
eye. After the bees and I get to know each other, then we will see what I wear. To be honest, I wanted a Hazmat suit to begin with, but I have calmed down now---a little. I have a hat and I use inside out latex kitchen gloves ( I figure the more white the better???) Mom has the real bee gloves since she is the only one who has really gotten in the supers. I stand back
and hold the smoker, which is an important job. We wear our classic white T-shirt and light jeans, and mom has a long-sleeved jacket. It is great attire for June in the South.
Below you see mom pulling out a frame full of honey. We replaced that with a new frame.
eye. After the bees and I get to know each other, then we will see what I wear. To be honest, I wanted a Hazmat suit to begin with, but I have calmed down now---a little. I have a hat and I use inside out latex kitchen gloves ( I figure the more white the better???) Mom has the real bee gloves since she is the only one who has really gotten in the supers. I stand back
and hold the smoker, which is an important job. We wear our classic white T-shirt and light jeans, and mom has a long-sleeved jacket. It is great attire for June in the South.Below you see mom pulling out a frame full of honey. We replaced that with a new frame.
We took out two frames full of honey. So...now what...
We had honey everywhere, in a pan, on the counter, on our fingers : ) Mom took a regular knive to uncap the cells and the honey oozed into a 
pot we had them sitting in. She ended up doing "crush and strain." It is not the best way for the bees because it destroys the wax foundation they have built and they have to work 8 x as hard to rebuild it-that is what were told by another beekeeper. Unfortunately, that is what we will have to do until we can get the proper equipment.
pot we had them sitting in. She ended up doing "crush and strain." It is not the best way for the bees because it destroys the wax foundation they have built and they have to work 8 x as hard to rebuild it-that is what were told by another beekeeper. Unfortunately, that is what we will have to do until we can get the proper equipment.
No comments:
Post a Comment