You want to become a BEEKEEPER in 2024? Consider these 5 things.

[@brucesbees]

I just went back and watched this video. It’s been a few months and we are well into a new beekeeping season. These thoughts still ring true. I hope the information is valuable to all who watch. Thanks everyone!!!

[@lagrangebees]

Oh yea... beekeeping is difficult at first, especially when getting a mentor isn't an option. Its still possible, but you REALLY gotta to your research, KZbin gave me a way to learn from people like you Bruce and many of the ones you mentioned. Even when you get enough knowledge to get started, implementing it is a whole other matter. Perseverance is key! Lost all my hives on my first year, but looked up what I did, realized where I messed up, bought some new hives the next year and ended with more bees than I started with. To all new beekeepers out there: Keep at it, learn from your mistakes, put in the work and you can have as many thriving hives as you want. 🙂

[@brucesbees]

Great stuff. Exactly what I was trying to get across. Keep at it!

[@donbearden1953]

Bruce, you definitely brought out some key pointers! It’s not the easiest or cheapest thing to do as a hobby but definitely addictive, satisfying and very flavorful when you take a bite of the liquid gold!!!

[@brucesbees]

Absolutely. Thanks for checking in my friend.

[@628DirtRooster]

Good talk Bruce.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Randy!

[@mikeconley3031]

Remember…1 is none, 2 is one, 3 is spare parts ! 😅 I luv that guy. Great job Bruce.

[@brucesbees]

#truth

[@josephfydenkevez2129]

Bruce, very good video I've been keeping bees for 5 years. I check off each one of you points. My biggest plus is building a network of fellow beekeepers in my area has been a big help to me. As well as finding youtubers that Know what they are talking about has been very educational. I would add one more point folks should find a bee club that is having bee keeping classes

[@brucesbees]

Great idea. Thanks for the input.

[@glennsnaturalhoney4571]

Great video. Only thing I would add is to join a local bee club. Join state club. Attend meetings for education and to make beek friends.

[@HenrikLarssonArt]

I got my first bees summer of -23 after ~2 years of research and saving up for it. And this summer i am expanding with a few hives - Just love it.

[@brucesbees]

That is great. I wish you then best with your journey!

[@theunlikelybeek]

Great video, Bruce! There was no reason based on my watch history the KZbin algo should have placed a beekeeping video on my FYP, back in 2015, so it must have been Divine. I spent the next 2 years watching every video, reading books and took a few courses from Penn State, before I felt I was ready, and then 3 years in, my local gov made me get rid of my bees, which totally devastated me. Now after a couple of years of looking for someone willing to give me space, I am finally back at it with 4 packages and 2 nucs coming in June. I've started my own YT channel to document and share my experience and hopefully help and inspire others. I definitely learned from some of your earlier videos, like how it's not a great idea to pack your hives into a mini van, LOL. Anyway, sorry for the long comment, I am so excited to be back at it again. Thank you for everything you do.

[@brucesbees]

Hey that’s great stuff. Yes that was an adventure I down believe I will repeat haha! I hope you have great success with your bees. What is the link to your channel?

[@spudgn]

I have one or two boys living on my coconut / banana farm on the island of Mindanao. Equipment is pricy in the Philippines. There are three Apis species in the islands; A. Dorsata, A. Melifera and A. Cerana. Apis Cerana is the more common honey bee in Asia and is kept in a Pile Hive setup in Japan; A. Japanica? I was thinking to have comfort hives mane from wooden pallets and bamboo skewers. 11x11 inches and similarly tall, I think these would be about the correct size for an 10/11 yo boy.

[@taylorboysoutdoors]

Sounds right to me. ADDICTIVE should be emphasized 😆

[@brucesbees]

No doubt

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Great video ! I made the list !! Lol it was great to meet you the other night Cheers 🥂

[@brucesbees]

Yes. Of course you made the list! Thanks for all you do Ian. I am starting to delve into the Live thing a little more with the assistance and encouragement of Brian at Castle Hives. Maybe someday could have you on one once I get it figured out a little better. Also I watched a bit of your live this morning and am a member of your channel but for some reason can’t comment or participate in your members only stuff. I can watch but cannot interact. Is there a setting I need to change or something?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Hmm, good question I’ll look on my side , I’m actually not very tech savvy. As you can see at times

[@brucesbees]

Me either. But I am maybe slowly getting it figured out.

[@josephfydenkevez2129]

@@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog Ian, ask your Children they set you straight on the tech stuff, I know my 2 kids or now young adults do

[@ronaldkoenig7057]

I started last year and every one you mentioned are my mentors I turn to you all to refresh me on certain aspects of bee keeping. Working out well for the bees unbelievably I went into winter with four hives as of yesterday I have four viable strong hives! Thank you Bob Ann’s Kamen.

[@brucesbees]

Good stuff. Glad things are looking good for you.

[@cesalt2408]

Great video! Out of the blue this old desire to be a beekeeper came up as I near retirement. I’m on the hunt for knowledge, so I’m a new sub!

[@brucesbees]

Great. And thanks! I hope you find the content valuable!

[@stephenstone6571]

Thank you Bruce. I'm in my third year but I'm also starting over as I lost 5 hives from swarming and abandonment this pass summer fall and winter. I'm starting over with one and hoping to learn from my past mistakes. Happy Beekeeping my friend!

[@brucesbees]

It takes tenacity and determination for sure. It sounds like you are made of the right stuff. I think you will get it figured out if you just stick with it! Good luck and thanks for checking in!

[@hootervillehoneybees8664]

One thing I really like about bee keeping is everyone you meet are just bee keepers .. they're not male female black white Asian .. they not Russian American Canadian European all that goes out the window were all just bee keepers .. common interests goals all working for the greater good don't really find that anywhere else. Get so sick of all that profiling labeled as this and that. Not sure if that makes sense but that's how I see it .. were all bee keepers ..

[@brucesbees]

It absolutely makes sense. And those that try to make it a thing don’t last long.

[@guitarguru.3572]

Just had our first visit with Tim here in WV last night. We have a few things to order before we can get started with our own, but we’ve definitely got a good mentor when the time comes. We’re going to go work with him and his bees for a while before we attempt it ourselves.

[@brucesbees]

Hey I think that sounds like a great plan. Good luck!

[@smellygoatacres]

If only it were that easy to find a mentor. I've reached out to our local beekeeping association numerous times and haven't heard so much as a peep.

[@brucesbees]

Where do you live?

[@TheCaliforniaBeekeeper]

Well executed my friend 👍🏼

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Jose. Been working on this awhile.

[@billyboy952]

Bruce, i started about 15 years ago, before i got my first hive i watched every video of FAT BEE Man here on KZbin over and over before i felt confident that i could do it now. the average person has no idea how much labor goes in to becoming a good beekeeper. i sell my honey only to pay for the hives that die each year. Keep up the great videos.

[@brucesbees]

Very true. Most have no idea…

[@philweaver9299]

Yep all 5 I have found out,only went into this wanting 1 treatment free hive for pollinating my garden, at 10 hives, have 10 more single deeps boxes ready to start next spring! Absolutely fell in love with bees,their honey and being able to split and divide into new colonies! Was nervous about getting stings,and now enjoy a few of them occasionally when I mess up! My 10 yr old and 15 yr old kids want to learn more about them .they got new bee jackets and gloves this Christmas! Thanks to all like you making videos! You are the best mentors!

[@brucesbees]

Hey that is great. Keep up the good work!

[@jerrybowen7580]

Doing bees for 3 years. Love it

[@brucesbees]

Yes it is pretty awesome!

[@crazymom1968]

hi this is what I'm going to start researching . i think for me this will be an excellent way to retire, plus bee's are really important for our planet.

[@brucesbees]

Awesome. Best wishes on your journey!

[@kevinfletcher8442]

You are absolutely right. Beekeeping is tough when you try to do things organically ... no treatments or minimal treatments. I think just as everything else those days are long gone if you want to be successful. Having friends who do beekeeping is also very important. We've learned so much by bouncing ideas and issues off of each other. Sadly I gave up because I didn't have the time or the patience and mostly because I didn't want to treat my bees. I think looking back I wish I had done what it took to treat the bees and keep them healthy just as I do my pets. It's an investment, but they are extremely important to our way of life. The honey straight from the hive is a plus too. Good luck to all who get into it and succeed. I still may give it another go eventually. You just need time and that's precious this day in which we live. Make time for what's important and you'll be much happier.

[@brucesbees]

Hey great stuff and if you decide to try again I wish you the best of luck!

[@kennith.]

Thank you Bruce.

[@brucesbees]

You’re welcome and thank you for checking in.

[@songbirdacres-cliffbontrag4614]

Thank you Bruce for this video!! Always look forward to them. Received my first nuc this past April, entered winter with 2 - 10 frame double deeps, and a 5 frame double deep. Info that is made available on these channels have been extremely helpful! Thanks again!!

[@brucesbees]

Great. Thanks for checking in and I wish you the best with your bees!

[@russellkoopman3004]

Another point, be it a minor point, is storage space for equipment. LOL I have bee stuff crammed into any spot I can find. I agree with your list of YT mentors and would add Jerome Bee Farm and Homestead as another good guy to watch and learn from. Hope to see you in TN next week.

[@brucesbees]

Yes! Thanks for the input. There was no way I would remember everyone. I watch a lot more than the ones listed.

[@ValThor-g2c]

Good video. For now I will buy my honey locally and support them. You need to have your act together for a good outcome.

[@brucesbees]

Sounds like a plan. Yes it is quite ge endeavor. Well worth it if committed to the bees but if honey is the only goal then it is not always a bad plan to support your local beekeeper.

[@scottsbees7166]

Great video many good points. It's very addictive. Lol.

[@mr.e.2001]

Excellent video Bruce, I'm located in central California and taking my intro class in mid February. I hope to make friends and find a mentor. This will be my post-retirement hobby and my wife is all in. Sounds like it will be fun and rewarding but also a little scary. I'm subscribed and will be watching your advice, keep it coming. I've thought about chronicling my journey for KZbin but don't have the first idea about filming, editing or mics for my android. I may hit you up for advice. Thanks for your inspiration.

[@brucesbees]

Sound good. Don’t be a stranger. Good luck with the bees!

[@rudolphdavis2387]

Great video Bruce my beekeeping started in 2012 and been a challenge but I learn so much watching the video on keeping bees and will keep on watching them .great video!!

[@brucesbees]

Awesome stuff. Keep working at it!

[@danyarbrough828]

Who would have thought that I would learn something from an Alabama fan? I did, and thank you! War Eagle! 😃

[@brucesbees]

Yes lol. We can all come together when it comes to bees🐝😎

[@Red_Scarf_Apiary]

I subscribed today and am glad I saw this video. Your five considerations reaffirmed much of my experience over the past few years. Success depends on the measure one uses but the one consideration or tip most noteworthy for me has been perseverance.

[@brucesbees]

Absolutely. Thanks for subscribing. Video just dropped today on the channel that talks a bit about that. Hope you enjoy the channel as you navigate through the videos that look interesting to you!

[@brucesbees]

And yes. I really like this video. I believe it is one of the most important ones I have made.

[@PilgrimSojourner]

Thanks Bruce, great points. I think humility, teachability, persistence and $$$$$ for all my stupid mistakes!

[@brucesbees]

Yes! I agree.

[@shevlin2650]

Bruce, Great presentation. I am one who has fallen into the addiction aspect of beekeeping. Look forward to meeting you at the conference. Craig Fr. VA / SML Bees.

[@brucesbees]

Yes look me up. I’m sure I will be wearing that red Alabama hat I wear in my videos. It is going to be a busy couple of days. But it will be awesome!

[@danschneider9219]

I find that the commitment part is what's missing in a lot of new beekeepers. When I got back into keeping bees I knew that it was something that I would have to learn all over again , bees in the 70s never had any of the problems we have today.

[@brucesbees]

Absolutely correct. It’s always changing. It can be very complicated. Great comment. Thanks for checking in!

[@CastleHives]

Great video Bruce. 5 Great tips. Addictive, indeed. A commitment, no doubt. Shared this out.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Brian and thanks for your guidance over the past couple of weeks. I am glad I reached out to you to help me get this technology stuff figured out for the Lives.

[@mattsara2802]

Great video Bruce. Definitely worth it.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks guys. I appreciate it!

[@robertgoodrich9302]

Good info. I’m a new bee keeper as of April of this year and I would concur with everything you said. I’m already addicted. Thanks for the videos.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in and good luck with your bees!

[@skinnywheelz]

Awesome video, jammed packed with great information for the new beekeeper. I don't think you waisted a single word. Thanks for sharing.

[@brucesbees]

Hey thanks. That means a lot. I put a lot of work into this one.

[@elizabethstearns7344]

Thanks for the video. I was thinking about getting started in beekeeping, but what you said (and some other videos I’ve been watching) helped me realize that I’m not ready for the commitment yet. That is an important thing to know for me and, especially, the bees! Maybe I’ll come back around to it in the future, and if I do I’ll be watching more of your videos. :)

[@brucesbees]

Hey thanks for watching! Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[@HeatherSaltas]

My first colony of bees are coming in April and I’m so excited to get started!

[@brucesbees]

That is great! Best of luck to you!!!

[@WildwoodsBeekeeping]

Great Vid and Great Info! Everything you said was 💯 True!! God bless You and your bees!

[@brucesbees]

Yes these are very important points in my opinion. I think this is the most important video I have even made and would like for more people to watch it. Maybe it will catch fire. Thanks for checking out my videos Grayson!

[@daverowden-RowdyBeeFarms]

Thanks for the video... much appreciated ... see you at the conference if you are going to be there.

[@brucesbees]

Yes I will be there. Looking forward to it. Just look for that Alabama hat. Roll Tide!!!

[@NaturesImageFarmGregBurns]

Great video and good points Bruce. Building relationships with good mentors and friends to be honest, to encourage and to learn from/with is probably my most favorite part of beekeeping. #beethelighthouse

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for watching Greg and I look forward to working together with you in the future! Who knows what the future holds?!

[@texasfriendlybeekeepers8210]

7 min!! you are rocking it Bruce!! I knew you when you had extra long videos!!! --Merry Christmas my friend. :) Keep keeping it real.

[@brucesbees]

Merry Christmas to you too Stan.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for watching!

[@frankmachado]

Hey Bruce I agree with all 5 but my order would be mentor then mentor then it would be mentor having someone is soooooo important I didn't and I believe that it put me at least 2 years behind where I should be. But that's great advice and I enjoy your videos keep turning them out

[@brucesbees]

Yes that is true. Before I created this video I watched some others with a similar theme. Each was different but the one common thread was the mentor. It is extremely important. Good mentors and friends can help you work through the other 4!

[@allualameen6445]

I am passionate to apiculture and I have 11years of experience in beekeeping, Bachelor degree in Forestry and good driving record Now I am looking for a apiarist job.I would love to be part of your team. I am extremely motivated and I am sure I will be able to contribute positively to the growth of your business

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in but my operation is too small to hire anyone.

[@tomkingsley4398]

Great information Bruce!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks!

[@nealr3dhandfamily346]

I subscribed just for the ROLL TODE!!!

[@brucesbees]

There ya go. Roll Tide!!!

[@nealr3dhandfamily346]

*TIDE

[@amydupree6490]

Great information! Can't wait to begin!

[@beekeepinggarden165]

Great video Bruce 👌👌👍👍👍🐝🐝🐝🐝

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in!

[@tenacioustortoise7151]

Thanks for your honesty!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for watching. Hopefully it helps.

[@bradgoliphant]

All so true Bruce. Thanks. Question for you Bruce: I live in NYC, and my two hives are both double deep brood boxes, then I add an addition deep super come the nectar flow. I have Flow Hives. This is my second year, so the first year I did not touch anything being they needed everything to build all their "natural drawn comb and nest." So this year, the numbers are huge, but they have not touched my supers? Why? Is our nectar flow not strong enough yet? When does your spring/summer nectar flow start and end? Any suggestions? Grateful.

[@brucesbees]

I do not have a lot of experience with flow hives. They are a different animal entirely. I can’t remember where you said you are from, but if you north you may just be hitting the flow. If the population is huge then they should start to work the flow supers.

[@bradgoliphant]

@@brucesbees Thx Bruce, This makes sense. I'm still figuring it out. Our Linden trees are soon to bloom and I think they are our main honey flow. Ya, I'm in NYC. Thanks again.

[@brucesbees]

Oh ok. From my understanding Linden trees are much like tallow. Good honey producers. So hopefully they will pack it in. As I read back over you post I see you identified your location in the first post. I guess it just did it register the first ho around. Good luck!!!

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Hello Bruce that was very informative an really put a lot of thoughts in ones head and all true . This is not only true before hand thinking but the complete time . I had to forget a lot things so I could find room to put all my bee keeping thoughts in there Lol . Thanks to you and a lot of other people out there really helps with that thinking and planning. Thanks

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for watching! It truly is an evolving process!

[@pirateprospecting707]

Excellent video! I agree with everything you said!!

[@brucesbees]

Glad you liked it!

[@s.fla.beekeepingmangoesand1517]

A mentor is essential. Joining a local bee club is too.

[@jesus11063]

Thank you 🙏

[@rafaelgil8348]

This is a great video for those wanting to get into the business/hobby…..

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Rafael!

[@sweetsarahsscents]

Thanks for this information, my friend.

[@brucesbees]

You’re welcome. Thanks for checking in!

[@glennsnaturalhoney4571]

Also, I'm teaching an intro to beekeeping lass tonight at the Community Center in Fort Wayne and will borrow some of your ideas. Hope you don't mind. Glenn

[@brucesbees]

Absolutely. Thanks!

[@richkepple354]

Bruce, love the videos and keep up the good work. I’m looking forward to starting my first 2 hives this spring. What you and others are doing on KZbin is priceless, thank you!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks and good luck!

[@robomont]

Im gonna start a beekeeping addiction clinic!

[@brucesbees]

I hear ya!

[@GEEZBEEZ]

Good points. Thanks for the video.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in!

[@byRenzy]

you are a legendary help for this

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for watching and thanks for checking in!

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

This is priceless advice. Thanks Bruce!!!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@hootervillehoneybees8664]

Life changing

[@brucesbees]

Yes!

[@adamkerschenheiter7311]

Good video. Thanks.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in!

[@brownsbloomtenders]

I believe you nailed it!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks. I put a lot of work into this one.

[@houstonsheltonbees814]

Words of wisdom 👍 great content 👍 thanks

[@brucesbees]

Thanks!

[@texasfriendlybeekeepers8210]

is that mainly with iPhone with internal mic?? looks and sounds great!!

[@brucesbees]

This was actually shot about a year ago. I think I actually used my M50 and SmartMike+ for this one. The principles I believe are timeless and I feel like it is important information so I changed the title and thumbnail to hopefully gain a little traction. Of all the videos I have made I consider this to possibly be one of the most important I have produced. But has never taken off. Currently I am using my iPhone for most of what I am doing. Recently purchased a DJI mic system that works directly with the iPhone. I used that mic for the first time with my most recent mite treatment result video. Still trying to figure things out. Always trying to get better. Have a long ways to go. Both with the bees and KZbin. 🐝🙂

[@GrammyMidwife]

Thanks for the video! It is spot on!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks! I put a lot of thought and effort into this one.

[@boydmay1]

Fantastic video!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Boyd!

[@BlythewoodBeeCompany]

Another one of my heros!!!

[@brucesbees]

Haha! Thanks for the kind words but I have a long ways to go. I will tell you though that Swarm Commander and Honey B Gone have played a major role in my beekeeping experience! Thanks for creating such quality products!

[@brucesbees]

You are the real hero Scott. Thank you for your service.

[@richardhyatt-beekeeping]

So true!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for watching. This, I believe is one of the most important videos I have made.

[@WhatsTheBuzz]

#6 Bees love to do the exact opposite of what you expect they are about to do!

[@brucesbees]

Haha!!! Seems to be the case much of the time for sure!!! Makes you appreciate the occasional times that the plan actually comes together.🐝🙂😎

[@77FINNBEAR]

Hi If you where approached by a commercial honey producer to manage there hives . How would you structure your pricing?

[@brucesbees]

I really am not sure. I do manage a few hives for a friend. And we just worked out a price of what we thought was fair. He purchased the original bees and equipment and I keep the hives full of bees, replace equipment as needed, and drop the honey off in buckets at his house. He pays me in January for the entire year. Has worked well for me. As far as managing a comercial person’s colonies you would just need to work it out with them. I have no idea. Would just have to sit down with them and see what their expectations were and work out something that is agreeable to both parties. Make sure you are making enough to for it to be worth your time and effort.

[@davidsbeefarm6156]

Bruce. What is the bait you use in the beetle traps ?

[@brucesbees]

Advion. But I might try DE some this year.

[@davidsbeefarm6156]

@@brucesbees thanks...

[@caseycarlson6663]

I know im late, but I really want to start beekeeping. But I simply can't. My dad flat out said "No." and even if he did say yes my mom does daycare so im %97 I can't because of it. Like I said, I really want to but don't know how I would get the money either, maybe take a loan from my parents and pay them back later?? I want to start with 2 that way if one fails I got another one. Would mean alot to give me advice. Thanks.

[@brucesbees]

It might just be a matter of time for you. Continue learning and working towards the goal of having some one day. Maybe try and hook up with a local beekeeper to get some experience. Then when things work out right for you you will be able to give it a shot.

[@KodiakFarmBeesLee]

What wireless mic are you using?

[@brucesbees]

SmartMike+

[@larrysanders7667]

Discouraging.

[@brucesbees]

How so?

[@erictully2390]

Do you know a possible mentor in Shelby county Al? I've learned a lot from your videos and others on here and plan to start my first 3 hives in March or April.

[@brucesbees]

Brian Lee, Don Bearden

[@rose2525bud]

🍯🐝🍯

[@BackyardBeesNC]

You forgot to mention How a beekeeper can make a small fortune...... Start out with a large fortune 😀

[@brucesbees]

Love it. Thanks Brian!

[@hi-q2261]

I'm thinking about getting into it but I want Honey.

[@brucesbees]

If you decide to do it I hope you can reach your goals!

[@kakakhankhan8529]

We having in our home. . . . domestic local .....for long time being in my home. . . . . . we just taking only honey ...

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in!

[@SylantBill]

My hives went from 2 to 4 to 8.

[@brucesbees]

It can definitely happen. Congratulations!

[@straightwhitemale5753]

Where can I buy bees?

[@brucesbees]

Where are you located?

[@straightwhitemale5753]

@@brucesbees Alabama.

[@brucesbees]

@straightwhitemale5753 what part of Alabama?

[@straightwhitemale5753]

@@brucesbees Chilton county.

[@brucesbees]

You should check out Chilton County Bee Company. chiltonbee.com/

[@raysgbg]

lol, if you aren't already humble...it will come! It is most certainly an addiction.

[@brucesbees]

Yes! #truth🐝😎

[@enricolovadina3560]

Ok.

[@TryorDie2024]

Seriously? I don't know anything about bees and could have given better information

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for watching. Please go ahead and fill me and everyone else in on the better information.

[@AdrenalineTheory]

Unlikely lol

[@sheenagray913]

There was nothing informative about this video

[@brucesbees]

Maybe not for you but hopefully it has been helpful to some. Thanks for watching.