Choosing a location for my hive

15 years ago

Hello,

I'm new to beekeeping, and I intend to start a new hive this spring. So I've got a few questions.

I'm stuck in the city, and I have a very small yard. My best place to put my hive is between my shed and my fence, where it will get probably zero sunlight. will this work?

Another worry I have is my chicken waterer. I don't want my bees to get into the habit of drinking out of my chicken water, I think my hens will have something to say about it. what can I do to stop this? My idea was to put a small water garden or a bird bath nearby.

When do I need to order my bees? do I need to get it done in January, or can it wait until later? I'm going to go with a package, I can hardly afford that let alone a nuc.

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Comments (3)

Macmex
15 years ago
Hey Speedfreakian,

Do you have a bee keeping friend/mentor nearby? It would work best for someone to actually help you look things over regarding where to put the bees. I've seen them kept in shade, in my native NJ. It worked. But they were less docile. I believe it could also cut down on your harvest, as they'll be later in going to work each day.

You can try putting out an alternate waterer for them. A dripping faucet often catches their attention. I have poultry and other animals and have to put something to float in each bucket, so they can climb out whenever they fall in. It doesn't bother my chickens at all.

I'd order your bees as soon as you can. What part of the country do you live in? Here in Oklahoma we try to have them delivered in April. It's best to order early as they do sell out.

George
Tahlequah, OK
speedfreakian
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks, this is helpful. I live in Albuquerque, NM, zone 7a. I can't say that I know anybody else here in Albuquerque that has bees, but I know we have a beekeeping group or two. So, I do think I'll go join one of them, just haven't gotten to it yet. I just happened to be at a city council meeting last summer when all of the beekeepers were there, and the council declared ABQ a "bee friendly city" That's what sparked this idea.
I suppose I may be able to put the hive in the front yard, but it would be in the blazing hot sun in the summer, it can get to a hundred degrees here easily. Also it would be highly visible in a somewhat rough neighborhood, and right next to an elementary school. though it would be the required 50 feet away, I don't think the crabby parents would be too happy. What do you think? I'm juts trying to decide if it's actually practical to do this at my house, or if i need to put it at my parents house 2 hours away. I really want the local honey from the city, as it will be a great help to my allergies.
Thanks!
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Macmex
15 years ago
I would most definitely try to keep them out of sight. Perhaps, in your climate, the shade might be alright. By all means contact one of those beekeeping groups. They won't steer you wrong.

George