[mistryer]

We have a new smallholing, and wish to introduce a bee colony, Could anyone please advise me what equipment etc I need to start up, or direct me to a suitable previous post that covers the basics. Many thanks.

[anderso]

find your local beekeeping club (look in phone book) they will help you out to get started - just remember that there are lots of ways to keep bees so have a good look around - bye the way what area are you in

[happy larry]

This site might be of use to you mistryer  http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/

[mistryer]

 Thanks for that  anderso, we are in the Dordogne. How bout you?

[OhLaLa]

Beekeeping is slightly different in France.

Once you have your bees you will need to contact the beekeeping assoc for your region and register as a beekeeper.

Also, in France the usual beehive is a Dadant. To start you off, a swarm will cost appx 80e. It will most likely be on 5 Dadant frames. This is why it is important to have the correct size hive waiting for them. It's a bit early in the year to buy in bees, but look on LeBonCoin in the summer months and you will see swarms advertised.

Alternatively you can try and attract a swarm, but none may take the lure so you may still find yourself without bees - but at least you will have everything ready if you then decide to buy in the bees at a later date.

 

[mistryer]

Thanks guys - really helpful. I know you can register as wanting to take a swarm, and there is a conservation service that try to find a suitable swarm looking for a new base, if you will. Sometimes they have taken them out of roofs and outbuildings etc. All very interesting.

[OhLaLa]

I think you need to read up on bees a bit in the meantime, it will help you to understand a bit more about them. A basic but good book is 'Bees at the Bottom of the Garden' and I consider Ted Hoopers book 'A Guide to Bees and Honey' essential reading:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Guide-Bees-Honey-Ted-Hooper/dp/1899296042

Also go to your Mairie and have a word, they will point you in the right direction re websites, registering etc.

 

[mistryer]

Thanks OhLaLa