10 Things We Learned Our FIRST YEAR BEEKEEPING | Beginner Beekeeepers

[@RDavies126746]

Hit the nail on the head with opinions! Everyone does thing slightly different but you have to learn what works for you. If you watch the bees and pay attention to detail they will let you know what they need. Such a rewarding hobby!

[@OldReddingFarm]

We are really hoping that we will feel so rewarded after they live through the winter! Right now we are feeling a little anxious!

[@adriennesmith.artist]

“Everyone has an opinion” This is the most frustrating and truthful things out there! I like to say, there are SO MANY ways to keep bees the “right” way. And they’re all OK! ❤️❤️❤️

[@OldReddingFarm]

haha yah everyone has an opinion about EVERYTHING!

[@OddPaw]

I've heard from a lot of people that everyone has their own opinion on how to raise bees. Seems like if you're getting into it you'll need to just figure out what works for you. I have wild bees that like my flower garden, so that's good enough of beekeeping for me. 🤣 Love watching you beekeepers though. The videos of them is just so amazing to me. Keep up the awesome videos!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Thank you so much ! Yeah there are a few things out there where people's opinions are so polarized ;) but like with everything else listen with open ears and we do what we think is best. It's all we can do!

[@WhatsTheBuzz]

Fond of the Hoover Hives as well. As for complicated- Back in the 1960/70's when I first kept them, things were simple. Not true today! Between Mites, SHB's, loss of forage areas and pesticides, it can be a challenge these days. But.. it is still very satisfying to have them.

[@Citystead]

Expensive is an understatement. Beekeeping is ridiculous to get started on but agreed on how awesome it is

[@OldReddingFarm]

Yah we still have our fingers crossed for you and your bees! Any update on them?

[@streetpunk99]

I guess the word expensive is subjective. This is my first year keeping bees and i have less than 500 dollars tied up in my entire set up.

[@SecondhandFarms]

We will for sure check out the hoover hives! We have been doing research the last year, so maybe this spring or next spring we can add some to our farm!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Oh yes bees are so much fun !! But if you will want them in the spring make sure you get started now! Most bee keeping classes happen over the winter and the apiaries sell their bee packages ahead of time ! The hive is about the only thing you'd likely be able to get any time :)

[@SecondhandFarms]

@@OldReddingFarm Ya it's getting kinda late now so maybe next year!

[@rubyhomestead9109]

Except if your allergic, everyone else... get bees ... lol !!!! this is our first year bee keeping as well they are soooooooo neat and we (my husband especially) cant get enough of them!!

[@brianbennett4374]

Can't wait to start this year. I like those hives 2. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@OldReddingFarm]

No problem 👍

[@OZARKMEL]

Thank you, great video for the beginner! I am allergic but will be giving it a go anyway, I have plenty of epi pens! My biggest concern is we live in Arizona....and we have Africanized bees here. I'm told they MOSTLY are not too awful bad as they have inter bred with our domesticated honey bees. There is a "club"/organization here that is really good about getting you started, mentoring you and teaching you how to deal with these particular bees. Wish me luck! LOL

[@OldReddingFarm]

wow ! between africanized bees and bee allergies I am not totally 100% sure I'd still be keeping !! good luck ! be careful !

[@LuckyFigFarm]

Thanks for your video. Engaging. Your farm is beautiful. Everyone should have bees … if they take care of them. Cheers from Western Australia.

[@MorrisPatchofHeavenhomestead]

Y’all this is so awesome! I’m definitely very scared of bees, so glad you have calm bees I think they know if you’re scared or not it probably helps to be calm. Love your bee boxes they look great. Honey is such a great thing to have on the homestead. Great video my friends. Blessings

[@OldReddingFarm]

You should find a local bee keeper in your area and try to be around some calm bees to see if you'd still be scared! Really Cat is still pretty scared of the bees she wears full suit all the time when we are working the bees, but nothing wrong with that

[@backyardfoodfarm6183]

I'm in connecticut myself and just ordered my 8 frame hoover hive. Good to know there's an example on here from zone 6 and your succesfull at it

[@OldReddingFarm]

Oh hello fellow Connecticut resident !! I think you'll love the hoover hive! The only thing we will say is that if you treat with Oxalic acid for mites DO NOT SET THE TREATMENT ON THE METAL ROOF! hah . I mean I guess that should be common sense but, we made that mistake and it made our roof a little rusty. Which is totally not hoover hives fault but learn from our mistake !

[@kiddfamilyfarmllc9962]

It was a good year for honey here in KY.

[@OldReddingFarm]

That's good we weren't expecting any honey this year but I have heard that the drought made the honey flow pretty lacking in this area. We did a ton of feeding.

[@theathlete795]

Thanks for the great video! Of course I went and ordered my first Hoover Hive and then the next day I saw this video with its code! I cant wait to get started when the weather warms up!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Oh no! Sorry you didn't get to use the code, I wonder if you called them if they would honor it? they might. Did you order of Galena farms? or just right from amazon? They might? maybe worth the phone call to try to save yourself some dollars

[@theathlete795]

@@OldReddingFarm i got it right from the hoover hive website. If remember I'll give it a shot. It supposed to arrive tomorrow and Im stoked to get it put together!

[@hooverhives4727]

Great video! I've enjoyed watching you and Cat's bee journey together. You guys have learned quite a lot this year. And so have I, I don't think there's an end to how much you can learn about them. Thanks for mentioning us in number 8! You guys are awesome. I definitely agree with points 2 and 10. Everyone has their opinion and the world would be a better place if we all had some bees. This is solid advice, find a mentor in your area.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Thanks!!! This has been a wild year ! The bees have been the best thing about 2020 ! ;)

[@oldjoeclark]

Great video. We’re waiting for our first nucs and very excited.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Oh that is very exciting! good luck with them!!

[@iikandy4512]

Not too informative....but..."cool" enough, to want to learn about bee keeping! Positive attitude, thanks guys! Keep on beeng!

[@FarmAce100]

I set up a swarm trap with a free old used box and free frames. I bought one old brood comb frame from a local commercial bee keeper and caught a big free swarm of bees. I have two dollars invested in that whole setup with bees. Lol. If only that was all I ever spent on equipment and bees in the past. I’ve spent thousands over the years.

[@FarmAce100]

The old comb frame cost me two bucks

[@adriennesmith.artist]

Great B roll! *takes notes* I love having people over for an inspection! Most of the time. Hahaha They ARE complicated! There is a ton of specialized information! Your list is great! ❤️❤️❤️ Bees are f****** rad!!! So much to learn. I had always been afraid of stinging critters. But once I started learning about bees my fear began to subside! Have to say, I don’t agree with #10. I don’t think they’re right for everyone. But I DO think everyone should learn about them, and love them, and stop killing bees! Haha

[@OldReddingFarm]

What do you think would make for a reason not to keep them? Too busy I guess that you wouldn't be able to take care of them? I've seen even big buildings in cities keeping them on roofs which is so cool !

[@CNBarnes]

Pretty good synopsis. There are a few things I would have stressed differently (but then, that proves the "everyone has their own opinions").

[@OldReddingFarm]

Thanks, and now as a second year bee keeper, this list might be updated as year two was much more trying than year one was. Would still like to hear your opinion on what the list needed stressed differently.

[@CNBarnes]

@@OldReddingFarm I would also add: "all beekeeping is local" Which means - be careful of taking too much advice from people in different parts of the country over the internet.

[@paparomesoutdoors711]

Enjoyed this video thank you!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Thank you for watching

[@Bergahorn4]

We plan on having 🐝 someday. Thanks for the info

[@OldReddingFarm]

They're really super enjoyable to have around

[@thesidelinebeekeeper-craig6924]

They say beekeeping is all about the honey, in reality it’s all about the money lol. I just found your channel, the first year is definitely a whirlwind. Great video.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Yah we have spent an unreasonable amount of money trying to keep these little bugs living and I think we have just been failures. We're going to take the '22 season off from bees.

[@thesidelinebeekeeper-craig6924]

@@OldReddingFarm it’s definitely an expensive business! Don’t think of yourself as a failure! We all lose bees, it’s just the name of the game. Don’t give up. I know it gets frustrating sometimes, but it’s more rewarding than frustrating. Stay the course🐝👍

[@purbious1030]

Yes it is expensive, that's why I am learning to build my own hives n I catch wild swarms or rescue bees

[@OldReddingFarm]

We were thinking about trying to build a few hives also just to see how it goes! we will see how spring swarm catching goes and how many more hives we can get our hands on!

[@derrongoodengardenandlifes8655]

Is the electric fence to keep out bears?

[@OldReddingFarm]

Yup! There's at least one family of bears that lives in our town that are all ear tagged and photos go up on our towns facebook page at least once a week from neighbors who have bear sightings in their yards. Luckily no bear sightings here yet, but better safe than sorry for sure.

[@IndianaBackyardGardener]

I have heard that skunks can pose a threat too

[@derrongoodengardenandlifes8655]

Indiana Backyard Gardener I feel fortunate that I only have to deal with squirrels.

[@AlongTheRiverHomestead]

I like #7 the most, bees are super cool! #10 bees for everyone!!!! Why did I think that was his voice at the end, Haha!!!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Hah our standard sign off Cat from behind the camera! 7-10!

[@JGsgarage_unboxings]

Welcome to the affiliate club! I was watching your video and noticed you saying it! Good to meet a fellow member. Good video

[@OldReddingFarm]

Oh well how very cool nice to meet you!

[@JGsgarage_unboxings]

@@OldReddingFarm thanks

[@walterkersting9922]

Yeah, bees aren’t scary until they get scary and then they’re damn scary. I was at Usery Mountain Park at 4:30 in Mesa Arizona and I heard one be in my ear making that angry Indian noise, so I decided to go home. The next day I heard a guy from Arkansas I’ve been stung to death by bees in that park.

[@bradgoliphant]

Do you mind sharing where you purchased your bees, if you purchased them? I'm needing a very gentle bee. Thanks

[@pirateprospecting707]

Great video!! Love those waxed boxes!! All of mine are painted 😉🏴‍☠️

[@OldReddingFarm]

yah waxed we hadn't seen before hoover hives and we thought the wood was kind of nice and natural looking compared to painted. not that there's anything wrong with painted just liked the look!

[@drg0623]

Hello from Western Montana, we are going to be first year bee keepers in the Bitterroot Valley near Missoula. We have started going to classes locally, and are looking to absorb any helpful information. Thank you and I will be in touch, Rick G

[@OldReddingFarm]

Good luck! If we can help at all would be happy to! but now heading into year three we have definitely had some challenges!

[@drg0623]

@@OldReddingFarm thanks man I will be in touch

[@IndianaBackyardGardener]

I did learn that Bees are expensive. I do want to have bees one day in the future.

[@OldReddingFarm]

I hope you get them ! Highly recommend taking a local class before the bees land in your back yard ! They'll help for sure.

[@joannecarlton7340]

Love the video, everyone should have bees, even your mother in law.

[@OldReddingFarm]

If that is permission we would be happy to set up hives at your house for you and help you take care of them!

[@EventheSparrowHomestead]

All great points that are spot on !

[@OldReddingFarm]

Thanks!

[@Lisa-jq3di]

Great video! I’ve got Hoover Hives also and they really are the best.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Thats awesome! Glad you liked the video :) thank you for watching

[@keithhoward4727]

Great video man love the energy

[@OldReddingFarm]

Appreciate it!

[@AmericanVoiceOfLiberty]

Thanks, this was very informative. Appreciate the information!!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Thank you!

[@drakepope2620]

Thanks for the info so helpful

[@SouthernBlessedHomestead]

I want bees so bad!!! I’m planning for 2021 if the zombie apocalypse doesn’t come before then.😂😂

[@OldReddingFarm]

2021 is right around the corner ! If you're going to buy packages of bees make sure to reserve them as soon as they're available I think many places sell out! And do check out hoover hives very good value for a whole set up!

[@SouthernBlessedHomestead]

Old Redding Farm ok thank you

[@stonkpuppets6393]

You don’t need to put swarm traps high up. I catch them waist high all the time. Remember they go in water meters, flower pots, trash cans...

[@OldReddingFarm]

Thanks for the tip !

[@alvinjoseph8724]

Wish I had bees that were this calm all my hives the bees a on Crack and I have ten for now

[@OldReddingFarm]

Wow that's a lot of hives ! I wonder why yours are aggressive . Well hopefully you're doing a better job with them than we did we had huge problems over wintering them unfortunately.

[@alvinjoseph8724]

@@OldReddingFarm nah that's not many my plans are to have many more

[@thecatwhosawstars]

I’m always telling my husband not to be so afraid of bees lol

[@christinecontelmo9264]

Nice video guys thank you!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Thank you too!

[@426superbee4]

idk why every one goes flat roof for? All there good for is? birds to bath in puddles, and your hive gets bird mites ! i went to slop roofs NEVER had bird mites again

[@OldReddingFarm]

hm that's interesting. We have flat roof because that's what seemed to be standard. We could definitely look into pitched roof.

[@426superbee4]

In 18 years with this designed> i never got bird mites again ! Its definitely from puddles of water, on the flat roof, that bird bath in. The mite fall off the birds, work them self down into the hive. That why i got pitch roof on mine. cheers brother

[@426superbee4]

Yes it is standard ! So are leather gloves and both are not for BEE KEEPING my friend, Go with slop roofs and rubber gloves or lift the roof front or back side up where water runs off

[@BBKERNSALLNhomestead]

John i hope you enjoy that honey!!!!!! Brother i am buying my from the store in a class jar!!!!!!! i have to say cool video and good advise!!!!!!!!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Thank you so much! Hopefully next year we will be off the honey buying train!

[@suzannaheller1630]

I love the bee videos!!!

[@frozen1114]

Why do you have the electric fence?

[@OldReddingFarm]

To keep bears away from the hives. If you google bee hives and bears there are TONS of devastating photos of a bear getting into an apiary and knocking over and ruining every hive in there. They'll go in for the honey and they're too big to be deterred by the bees. we don't have a ton of bears in this area but a bee keeping friend lost 4 hives to a bear the year before we started and that was enough for us!

[@Citystead]

Say what, bees are the bees knees! Bees are cool, get a hive

[@OldReddingFarm]

Just get one!

[@wadebarnes6720]

They ain't one in my area everyone I have talked to has bought bee every year. I don't want to have to buy bees every year so I imagine I got to learn how to do it on my own so far started off with two nukes last year. I have four full size and 14 nooks that is what I made this year I just wish I had somebody that could talk to me and teach me the right way

[@OldReddingFarm]

Oh yeah it is tricky for sure! there isn't a bee keepers association in your area? or anyone who teaches a course? That would really help teach you area specific things. And lots of bee keepers associations will set you up with a mentor in your area.

[@wadebarnes6720]

@@OldReddingFarm don't mean this in a bad way but everyone I have asked they have said very few left the one I talked to he's in his late 80s and don't do much bee work anymore I told him if he ever felt like talking I would love to talk these with him the things that he would know but yes you're right still looking

[@jamesc2212]

great video....

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ronnie5979]

Why do you need a electric fence. Trying to keep the bees in lol????

[@OldReddingFarm]

How much of this video did you watch before you left this comment? Guessing between 8-10 seconds ? Educate yourself.

[@ronnie5979]

@Old Redding Farm I was just kidding no reason to get upset or insult me. I apologize if I made you mad.

[@caracrabtree715]

Pollen has more protein than meat per weight

[@craigclark8323]

where are the bees?

[@beewize9982]

$1000 is cheap I spent over $7000 on my enclosure and hives and bees 🐝 lol your lucky

[@OldReddingFarm]

OMG ! how did it come up to $7,000 ??? Hopefully you have like 7x the number of hives that we have.

[@ericgauthier8695]

Bee keeping carrier 🤔

[@catbirdTV]

$1000 is not expensive

[@OldReddingFarm]

I guess that depends on a lot of factors for some people it is and for others it's not! I happen to think $1000 is a lot of money

[@catbirdTV]

@@OldReddingFarm Sit down and try and come up with other viable businesses for that cost. Can't be done . That's dirt cheap for something as viable as honey

[@thetruckersmanifesto3873]

Its free if you use the stock market to double your money. Crypto is hot