Beekeeping The Hard Way! Lessons I've learned.

Just a few tips. I've only been at it a year, but you can learn a lot in 12 months!!

[@christianshannon3943]

I started out with three established colonies last year from a local beekeeper. I bought five five frame nucs from him this past spring . I pulled a five frame split from the first three hives I got from him and let those splits make their own queens. That was highly successful. Now I have eighteen hives. I keep six double stack five frame nucleus colonies as support hives . I was able to pull a five frame split from them too . Once you get two or three colonies of good genetics/hygienic bees you can start a couple of nucleus colonies to support the weaker hives . Get you some pollen substitute mix and feed those bees - feed feed feed - especially during the dearth or real dry spells .

[@christianshannon3943]

I also agree with you about building compared to buying them precut . That would take way too much time. I started buying equipment last year to assemble everything I needed for this year . It basically took me every weekend to assemble and paint the wooden ware and assemble the frames . I thank god I did that because after I got my yard setup and all the hives established I ended up with five swarm calls in one week . I’m starting the process all over again this fall and winter to be prepared for catching more swarms next spring and summer.

[@nhgalsmith2676]

Thank you for the info!

[@smokeydabeecharlescoleman8365]

great video, Learning from your experiences .

[@1952banjo]

I enjoyed watching Jason and good luck with your bees !! wish I lived close to you , get me some Honey !! lol have a great weekend and don't work too hard!!

[@1952Jeep]

I'll do my best! You Have a great weekend too!!

[@wyattoneable]

Even that I don't plan to keep bees I've enjoyed watching the videos. You have the right kind of attitude to keep up on those little guys and it will be a good thing to have if things go bad. You'll have some bartering power plus honey for your own storage. No one can blame you for that. Great work so far. Lessons learned and shared is always a good thing.

[@1952Jeep]

Learning and passing the failures on! Everyone screws up! As long as I let folks know my mistakes maybe others wont follow my path!!

[@WillowsGarden]

I agree with you Jason, better to find a local that has hives, been beekeeping for about 20 years and a good stand of bees you can sit next too and they are very tame, love to watch them work! The CO-OP here sells a lot of our bee supplies and we buy the wax by the box, thanks for sharing and God Bless!

[@1952Jeep]

None of my local farm supply places carry beekeeping supplies, I have to order almost everything! Take care!

[@TableSalt17]

Great video man.

[@chefbourque]

Good luck guy. Thanks for the video.

[@1952Jeep]

Thanks for stopping in!

[@EarthREALTOR]

Good advice here. Thanks!!!

[@1952Jeep]

Betty Saenz Most welcome!

[@628DirtRooster]

Good advice.

[@jacorin]

you sure get around rooster lol

[@628DirtRooster]

Shane Villis I'm a world traveler. lol I was just talking to Chuck last night about doing another video. We'll get together in a few weeks.

[@jacorin]

lolol you sure are lol

[@airwolf61970]

Woodworking is a passion, just like beekeeping. It's not too bad making your own equipment. I manage it by makings a "run" of any given thing. One time it might be boxes, another time, it might be frames or bottom boards. All I have is a few hand tools and a tablesaw. I build alot of my equipment from old pallets. My advise to you would be to get away from deeps. And use plastic foundation. I run all medium 8 frames. And it's been a Godsend. All the wax foundation is contaminated with pesticides and soft chemicals. Plastic is alot more healthier for bees.

[@trentwinston2914]

Your demeanor is perfect for these videos. I'm a pretty new beekeeper, and both hive beetles, and wax moths have been giving me fits. They killed my first hive. We'll try again in March or April. I wanted to pass something along that I heard that might work against hive beetles. Do your mineral oil tray at the bottom, then dump powdered sugar on the top of your frames, and brush it into the hive. I'm told that it excites the bees, and they run the beetles into to oil. do it until the beetles are gone. it sounds pretty cool. If you do it, let me know if it works.

[@1952Jeep]

I've heard of using powdered sugar for mite control but not SHB control, I will ask at the club, and might try it! Thanks! These "West" bottom boards have been great! I need to do an update, I've only had trouble with one hive. It is my biggest one (two deeps and four supers) found them at the top, but not near the bottom, should have put some disposable traps in the middle I guess? On my way to check out your channel, hope you'r doing vids!!

[@trentwinston2914]

I'm not doing videos yet. I'm still trying to learn my way around my hive. I have a mentor that was assigned to me at the first local Bee Club meeting that I went to. He's really been helping me, a lot. That's how I'm going to get my bees. We'll work around his hives, and then he will split one in March or April for me.

[@1952Jeep]

Trent Winston Holler at me when you get some vids up, I'll give you a shout out! That is the best way to go! Find a friend in the beek community and do splits!! (just make sure he don't live too close, your bees might go back home!! LOL!) Good luck man!! It's hard work, but I love it!!

[@df3photo]

Great tips! You filled me in on some if this at prepper stock but the shine made me forget a bit... thanks for making the video.

[@1952Jeep]

LOL! Take care buddy!

[@ChristopherMilnevcm]

Thanks for this video. I am also a newcomer to beekeeping. I have one two box hive in my small backyard. I love the kind of information you provide. Honest, without pretense, and useful.

[@1952Jeep]

+Christopher Milne I need to do an update video, but I can't seem to find the time! Those "West" type small hive beetle traps/bottom boards worked great! They also caught wax moth larva! I didn't see many at all this summer. Thanks for watching!

[@ChristopherMilnevcm]

+1952Jeep I have been living in Tasmania for the past five years. I was born in California and I lived there until I was 54. In August when I started educating myself about beekeeping, I was alarmed to learn about all of the pests and diseases that assail bees. The I was very glad to hear that we do not have as many of those kinds of problems here in Tasmania. For example, there is no Varroa mite. I got my own hive only two weeks ago. I got some hive boxes and other paraphernalia, and then my beekeeping mentor called me and said he was going to go remove an unwanted hive (newly established) from someone's basement and would I like to come and help him and perhaps keep the colony for myself? We put the colony into boxes at night, and the next day they swarmed. Fortunately, they did not go far and clustered onto a branch in my lemon tree. We were able to recapture them. This time, we put a frame in that had a large store of honey on it and we sealed the hive entrance. I kept it sealed for two and a half days before opening it. That was a week and a half ago. They seem content. They are very busy, going in and out, and just this morning, I can see that the foragers are returning with big pollen sacks! I think this is an indicator that they have brood? They are friendly bees and I think I have a good queen. Sorry for the long post.

[@1952Jeep]

Christopher Milne That was a great story! It was a long post, but very interesting!! Good luck! Sounds like you are doing it the right way!

[@frlouiegoad4087]

I find just removing a deep frame with a queen cell, placing it in a new hive works every time for me. There will be bees that will ride along on the frame. I just walk the frame to the far end of the farm place into a new hive. Now someone is enjoying all my work.

[@joncotn]

I agree with boxes. If you want nice boxes (I do) - buy them if you don't have the equipment to make them.. planers etc

[@TableSalt17]

Great video man

[@this-Cowboys-Ride]

Good vid. I wish I had spoken with you before ordering my packages. They will be here at the end of this month. I am starting them in nuc boxes first. Getting excited

[@honeybguys6346]

They also offer a grooved top and bottom bar that is specifically desined for the plastic foundation. Slick as all get out. I order all my supplies from Mann Lake. Free shipping over 100.00.

[@1952Jeep]

I'll have to check out Mann Lake, had not herd of them! Thanks!

[@rchopp]

Good info, I hope your able to get those mites under control I have read they can be a huge problem. Take care

[@1952Jeep]

Yes they are! Thanks! I'll let yall know how these bottom boards work.

[@sunshineaquaponics6968]

Enjoyed the video and I'm gonna try the trap.

[@1952Jeep]

Sunshine Aquaponics I had a heart attack back in Feb, and have been so busy this spring that I haven't had time to do a vid on it. Those "West" bottom board traps are the answer! I haven't seen 10 SHB all season!! They are great!

[@othalee]

good advice on the splits. I ordered package bees when i first started and they were not very hardy. I found the problem was people rearing their own queens, they are not nearly as tough as queens produced by the bees themselves. The best bees i have ever found were the ones i caught wild, they are gentle, tough, hard working, and they were free. I actually charge to go get them sometimes.

[@dylanjosselin]

Im starting up with bees this year, and its always good to learn from other peoples mistakes and successes. thanks for sharing.

[@1952Jeep]

Good Luck! I've moved to the "HardWayFarms" KZbin channel. Come check us out, haven't been able to do as much as I wanted this summer due to work, but I've got some new bee vids over there! Again, Good Luck, beekeeping is hard work!!

[@noillucs3392]

Thank you for the tips. I am hoping that I can start beekeeping next year. I have a small garden which backs on to a large public field in England, London. So hope to be to keep these wonderful little workers. Fingers crossed.

[@1952Jeep]

+noillucS 33 Good luck! I love beekeeping. I'm about to try over wintering 12 hives! I succeeded with 5 last winter! Wish me luck!!

[@noillucs3392]

I wish you the best of luck. Hopefully you make a video of your method and share. I'll keep an eye out for it.

[@1952Jeep]

noillucS 33 I'll do my best, seems since the heart attack, making videos have went to the wayside. Seems I don't have time to finish anything??

[@noillucs3392]

Your health is more important than anything. A heart attack is life changing and from here on in your number 1 priority, is you. The videos are educational for others, you have given a great deal of your time for this. That is something I hope you are proud of. Now sit back and enjoy life. Take care. Best wishes to you.

[@1952Jeep]

+noillucS 33 No sitting back for me buddy! I think that is my problem, I have so much I want to accomplish before I leave this world, and the "life is short" saying has me really doing too much.... Yo know, it just dawned on me that I did really enjoy making the videos! I have got to start back again!! Even if they are short farm funnies!! Thanks!

[@brendahere]

Always like to find out someone else's experiences with this types of things. Very good advice.

[@1952Jeep]

Thanks! Take care!

[@jacorin]

nice vid mate thx for your time and effort..... i'm also thinking of getting some bees,not sure when though.being in Australia and working 6 days per week,leaves me not much time to get out and talk to somebody..so i watch vids on here lolol i liked this and watch 628DirtRooster.

[@markbarnhill6300]

We also have an order for 200 frames and 20 boxes from Kelly bees!!!!!!lol you can't hand make for near that price!! Take care Jason!!

[@1952Jeep]

Good Luck! Same here, can't build it myself for the same price, especially with free shipping!!

[@natserog]

great video! just getting my bees this Sat. Trying to learn all I can. Thanks for the tips!

[@cosimoagostino7288]

You did a good job man try.

[@bear09871]

Hive beetles love the split bottom and top bars! Lots of hiding space. I use the grooved bottom with the wedge top for my own. Works good.

[@1952Jeep]

+bear09871 Those little beetles love every crack they can find!! Good advice!

[@grahamrdyer6322]

Bugger I must be a bettle then.....haha

[@Profit187]

Thanks for the video! I've been interested in BKing for a couple years and now I'm taking classes with the idea of finally starting this year... VERY NICE to have an honest vid by someone still new whom can point-out mistakes many of us would make... I also like that you clearly point out your current level of beekeeping, there seem to be many videos done by those just starting, whom act like they have done it for 20 years.

[@1952Jeep]

Thanks, I've always tried to keep things honest and not come across an an "ex spurt"! I learn everything the "hard way"! I'll be making more vids soon, just got out of the hospital, on top of that weather has kept the camera gear out of the bee yard, but I learned a lot this winter!! Take care, Jason.

[@comfortouch]

The bumbling beekeeper... thumbs up for Wranglerstar shoutout in your video!

[@Lumberman2011]

A lot to learn, great info you have passed on. I hope you make a ton of honey, Best wishes Jason!

[@1952Jeep]

Hope you are dong well bud! Been praying you heal up quickly!

[@Lumberman2011]

Thank you , I will keep you posted. Waiting for the big day.

[@mylightofhope]

Great tips! Have been talking with my neighbor about starting beekeeping but after talking to another guy yesterday who has been beekeeping in our area since the 80's, I'm a little scared to. He said the past few years he and others across the country have been losing a lot of hives and not due to swarming. He said he had 15 hives last year and now is down to 5. Man I'd hate to lose all that after investing so much in all of the supplies/materials as well as the bees to get started! I suggested that it could be due to pesticides being used but he didn't believe that was the cause. He said they aren't finding them lying around dead either, just vanished. Have you experienced or heard of anyone experiencing this too?

[@1952Jeep]

Yes, it is called "CCD" Colony Collapse Disorder"! It has been an issue for several years. I have not experienced it, but it does exist! I personally believe it comes from GMO plant pollen (bees use the pollen to create which bees they need), if the pollen is modified then things don't go right! (just my speculation). Beekeeping is very rewarding, learning about "queen cells" "swarm cells" "brood, drone, and worker cells" is very fun! I am gaining a wealth of knowledge...The "Hard Way"...LOL! Thinking about changing my channel to "HardWay" Haha! I say go for it! We need pollinators!! Good Luck!!

[@mylightofhope]

1952Jeep your speculation makes sense to me. I thought it was due to all the chemicals used on crops, but I don't get where the bees actually go if they aren't seen swarming or aren't seen dead on the ground....I guess just fly off somewhere gradually. I will give it some more thought then, since you haven't experienced it. We do live in the rural area on 100+ acres and I was hoping between the 2 of us living here that we would grow enough plant life that our bees wouldn't want to leave. :) Might be wishful thinking. I was planning on starting with just 1 or 2 hives, but the guy I talked to locally suggested starting with no less than 3. So there increases the cost again. Any thoughts against just starting with one?

[@1952Jeep]

mylightofhope I actually recommend starting with 2, and just attempt learning and keeping them healthy for the first year or two. You can harvest enough honey for personal use, you can compare the two as they grow, and if you decide beekeeping is not something you like it is very easy to sell two hives, ten is more difficult! Good luck! You've got plenty of room for lots bees to be very happy!!

[@annecoons2558]

mylightofhope That sounds like Collony Collapse Disorder. Unlucky business, there's no clear cut cause of it but it is characterized by the sudden and complete disappearance of bees even with the hive full of honey, pollen, and brood. There are a few major problems like Verroa Mites that can make bee keeping difficult but it really is a rewarding Hobby/Livelihood. Every time humans become caretakers of another species there will always be diseases and risks but the beneficial symbiotic relationship usually greatly outweighs the negatives. It's deeply satisfying to help save bees, your garden/crops will thank you.

[@ImRamro]

Great video, I plan on doing bees next year and I need all the help I can get. I am sure I will have a ton of questions when the time comes.

[@1952Jeep]

Hit me up anytime brother!

[@DuWayneOdom]

Plan to do the same next year. 😀

[@1952Jeep]

DuWayne Odom They ar a bit pricey, but I thoroughly enjoy them. They can make you a little change as well, good luck, if I can help PM me!

[@DuWayneOdom]

1952Jeep Thanks... I don't plan to do it as big as frogtoad... At first anyway. I was going to start this year but was not able to get it together in time. I have plenty of pollinators in the garden so no big rush. I will definitely get with you next spring so I can be safe from some of the newbie mistakes.

[@1952Jeep]

DuWayne Odom I've screwed up every way known to man so far!! I can definitely tell you what not to do!! LOL!

[@MDC2020]

Great Video Sir! I'm going to make sure to forward this video to my friend Jamie whos just getting into bee keeping.

[@mziwenkosimkhize2388]

this video is so helpful

[@1952Jeep]

+Mziwenkosi Mkhize I'm glad!

[@barnyrogers5565]

Do u have a mentor? If not try and get one, they are a lifesaver when you are starting out! They bring a lot of wisdom ,and most have seen it all!

[@Punxsyjumper]

Thanks for sharing, that's how we learn and that is what makes youtube great. Stay sharp Jason.

[@lifeisshortmakeithappen3671]

thanks for the info, great help, I think I will order with Kelly also...

[@marcman5109]

You cant hardly build deeps any cheaper, but mediums can be built for about half.

[@slimjim7411]

Hive beetles are a pain however I started making my own baffles out of aluminum and neverwet (not the kind you use on clothes but the 2 part spray can designed for metals, etc.) To make sure it worked I put them on half my hives waited 2 months, and inspected. I couldn't find any beetles in the hive with the baffles I had made, and the one's without were being invaded. 1 hive must have had 30 beetles hiding in the top frames. So they do work, and you can do a bunch of hives cheap rather than the $20+ per hive commercial baffles.

[@danameable]

1 x 12 x 12 wight pine in the rough is only 13 bucks still cheaper

[@pickerick1]

I agree with everything you said my friend. Good tips and advise. Hive beatlle's are a problem for me to. Thank you! Rick

[@1952Jeep]

I'll be letting you know how these bottom boards work!

[@bugsme10]

this is really some good advice. in my favs

[@PopsQuest]

Good vid Jason, been thinking about bees but just don't have the time, Cheers!

[@1952Jeep]

They take more time than you would think, especially with the hive beetle problem I've been having! Take it easy bro!

[@DrViktorFursov]

Thank you! Very interesting! Best greeting from beekeepers in Ukraine! :)

[@1952Jeep]

Viktor Fursov Glad you stopped in!

[@theShamrockShepherdWagon]

thank you, very informative. I'm doing bees for the first time this year. Question: did you find any difference in mixing woodenware products? Someone at my association told me that mixing would not fit on each other - to pick a company and stick with them. Not sure that's true, do you have an opinion on this? TY

[@1952Jeep]

Sorry to get back so late! I have found that their is very little difference between manufactures, normally much less than 1/8th inch difference, and that could be just due to how much glue I use or how hard I swing the hammer. But make sure you build a square jig for assembling your boxes. Good luck, come over to my "HardWayFarms" channel, that's where I'm at mostly these days!

[@jnull0]

Good stuff bro, thanks for sharing. I will hopefully start some bees soon and I am learning from you guys...lol. J

[@1952Jeep]

Anytime dude, feel free to ask questions!!

[@YaYaDesigns]

Wait! jnull0 MR. BUZZ BUZZ THE END doesn't even have bees? I feel so cheated. ;) I for one appreciate everything y'all do and show us. I learn so much.

[@1952Jeep]

YaYaDesigns jnull0 is still in training! He now knows yeller jackets don't make honey, (and are just plain mean!!). We are progressing forward from here! I'll bet this time next year he will have honey flowing and beekeeping videos!!!

[@southernexposure123]

Thanks for the video. I think it was you who made a video about one of your hives that had a recurring problem. I saw it a few months ago and don't remember the details, but your theory was that moving the hive might solve the problem. Was that your video? If so, do you remember the outcome? The reason I ask is I have a hive that's gone queen less for two consecutive years. I moved the hive - but only about 6 feet - so if you remember, how did that work out. How far did you move that hive. Do you think moving it 6 feet is enough? Thanks.

[@HardWayFarms]

***** That wasn't me buddy, sorry. Hope your doing well!

[@HardWayFarms]

***** 1952Jeep and Hard Way are both me...Jason. Take care buddy!

[@southernexposure123]

Thanks for the reply Jason. I'm fine and hope things are improving for you and yours. Sorry I was confused I mostly watch you and Dirt Rooster. I'll contact him, too.

[@426superbee4]

I make 4 1/2 deep boxes for less than 15 bucks and that buying 1"W x 12"H x 12'L lumber for shelving, i cut my own lumber from my pine trees that are ready to cut down and cost enough thing. This the way i look at it, how much honey can you buy for 200 bucks and how long does it take to get that money back from your bees? That how i calculate it / it can be a money pit! We all learn the hard way when we start out. I just do it the cheapest and the best way i can. Don't feel bad i been there and done that too! Boom have bees in all my traps and no hives and frame ect. for them ! And it still happen i have a stock of BE = bee equipment 10 of every thing and 100 frames and boom out of box's, frame .wax ect ! I didn't have time to make frames so i was force to buy 100 frames now! Boom out of frames again and i give up just to hot now to work in the wood shop , there just going to have to suffer until cooler weather and quit breeding so fast hehehe The point is you can not have enough bee equipment on hand so make a lot of it and try not to buy it. If you buy it, it will become a money pit and eat you alive. cheers

[@426superbee4]

Me either bro Every thing require attention Now and there only 1 of me

[@MyDaddysgirl44]

I hope that if the S.. ever HTF... some of my bee keeping friends will be closer by. LOL I just can't bring myself to do the bee thing. If ONE got on me, it would DIE!! LOL Maybe I could trade some cooking for some honey. haha TJ

[@1952Jeep]

I got my bees because I was tired of being sceerede of every insect with wings! Should have seen me this time last year! Anything can land on me now and I'm like "well, what are you"? LOL! Honey bees are totally different than anything else, all they want is to pollinate!

[@danielm7585]

I've been meaning to get some bee's.

[@1952Jeep]

Do research, get to know your local bee keepers! They are good folks and will help you get started!

[@danielm7585]

Thanks bud! I will

[@TechMan-sl5gf]

Am going to have to disagree with you and building you own equipment. It's better to know your equipment is made right. But I guess depending on what you have, if you have the room and so forth then yes you have a point. Am back to get back to the farm and start keeping bees again. Unfortunately, most of my things is still in storage and I don't have the room where I am. So, this year I had to buy the equipment. But when I get the farm and move in I think I'll start building mating nucs, nucs then additional equipment for the following year. Just can't do it this year sadly.

[@robertlane8465]

Need aren't like river leaches

[@natserog]

what state are you located in?

[@txholeyrocks]

Nothing wrong with knots as long as it's doesn't come out. Packages is hit or miss from your source. If you get a package GET A NEW QUEEN in 30 days.

[@jwwm2]

You actually convinced me that keeping bees isn't for me. Too much can go wrong, and it looks like an expensive hobby, too. I bought some books on beekeeping, read them, watched a bunch of videos about it, and decided against it.

[@1952Jeep]

I don't blame you a bit! It is expensive and time consuming! The odds are against these guys with the pesticides and such, I think the "I won't be beat" mindset has hit me!! ...Lord, I'm gonna spend my last dollar making these hives produce!! LOL!

[@jwwm2]

1952Jeep Well, you have a better reason for keeping bees than I do. You have humongous garden, and I don't remember if you have fruit trees, but I think you do. All of that would make keeping bees a smarter idea for you than me.

[@maxmagnus777]

Why would you need to say about the plastic frames "that's just me" - when you mentioned you dont't use them!? Is there some pressure to use them or is th laziness prevailing? We don't have them here, and since most plastic is cancerogenic I am just wondering...

[@othalee]

No he said that because the majority of people use them, he saying he simply prefers not to. Cancer is not an issue with plastic foundation, it is not being consumed.

[@maxmagnus777]

Jeff Crouse Tnx, that was what I was wondering, so people DO use them on large scale...

[@othalee]

Yes sir they do, I've used them for 10 years, and i just decided to start phasing them out this year.

[@robertlane8465]

Hi.

[@dick2829]

Good effort but poor exclusion

[@frlouiegoad4087]

The hard way: I am an old beekeeper. All my hives were stolen. Years of work all gone. I have started a www.gofundme.com/h9907c account.

[@1952Jeep]

I just found your comments in the "spam" folder! Hope you find your thieves and bury them neck deep in a yellow jacket nest!! We call taking a queen cell and putting the frame in a nuc with a few frames of bees a "walk away" here. My best new hive this year was was a walk away! Good luck!

[@frlouiegoad4087]

Thanks: Wild desert honey is a smaller crop. we have a short flowering season. I made special roofs special ant proof stands. I weld a little, so the stands were heavy. Beekeeping was hard-enough, I had honey stolen but never the hives. Well: I have my last hive at my home. Thanks. apointofdeparture-org.webs.com/

[@ArkansasPrepper]

What the heck?...I was UN-subbed...this is making me very up-set. Google+ Please!!!!!! Maybe? I am clicking the wrong buttons? GOSH!

[@1952Jeep]

Nah, you ain't hitting wrong buttons! It has happened to me even before G- took it over. I can't count the times I've though "I haven't seen a vid from _____ in awhile" go check and I'm un-subbed! You'd think Google could fix it??

[@ArkansasPrepper]

1952Jeep I think I am using my channel views to contact you and the sub or Un-sub button is a fraction away. I am working on a video now. I think, I know the problem.? Maybe?