Where to start

Calhoun

Hi Guys,

I have an interest in starting to keep a hive but before i start i am wondering if the good folk of this forums would have any recommendations on where to start from a training perspective.

I have no intention of doing anything without knowing waht i am doing but i am wondering the best place to start.

I have looked at http://www.irishbeekeeping.ie and will be following some of the guides they have there but i also want to use the opportunity that this board exists to ask for advice.

Thanks

Effects

Best option is to join a local association and then do their new beekeepers course in the new year

Calhoun

Thanks for the reply, i am based in Laois i can see my nearest association is the dunamaise one.

Effects

I'd also recommend reading a few books before the course. Ted Hooper has a really good one called Guide to Bees and Honey.

Calhoun

Thanks again, i will look this one up.

Joe Brennan

A local Beekeepers club is a must, & I found the best book for a beginner is the Haynes Bee manual. it is a step by step guide with excellent graphics. Ted Hoopers book is good but a little heavy reading for the absolute beginner. I am speaking what I found best for me. I am in my second year & I hope you find beekeeping as enjoyable as it is for me

Effects

I read a previous version of the Haynes manual first and then moved on to Ted Hooper. It's probably the best way to do it as mentioned above.