Installing My Package

My Package of Bees

On March 28th I picked up my package of bees from Brushy Mountain Bee Farm. I had watched an instructional video and read information on installing a package but holding my package, with hundreds of bees, made me a little nervous. The day was looking great and I had my hive ready... it was time to install my package.

Before I brought out my bees I wanted to double check and make sure that I had everything prepared for the installation ( I would hate to be pouring out my bees and forget something at the house). Double checked my equipment: spray bottle with sugar water mix, hive tool, rubber bands (3), protective clothing and the cell phone in case I needed to call someone. For the other newbies that are installing their packages I would check out the Brushy Mountain Video first to make sure you have all the steps down and feel comfortable during the process.

Spraying Down My Bees

Brought out my package and began spraying the bees down with sugar water. They fall so nicely when you bump them against your hive. Removed the feeder can and the queen; she looked pretty and all the attendance were alive as well. Gave one last spraying, took a deep breath and removed the wood plank covering the hole.  Now I braved the installation by only wearing  a veil with no gloves or jacket (again it was a nice day out) so when I started pouring hundreds of bees into my hive and they started buzzing around me, a cold chill ran straight up my back. I was ready to close up shop and get out of there but , with the reference video in mind, I took a deep breath and slowly lowered my frames back into the hive.

Successful Installation

Beekeeping from the Beginning

To give a background on me and what I hope to develop this blog into I will start with:

My name is Daniel and I recently joined Brushy Mountain Bee Farm's team. I have to admit, before I was employed at the Bee Farm, I had no idea what beekeeping consisted of. After reading through catalogs and checking into books, and yes I did read Beekeeping for Dummies, I felt like I had a grasp on what it would to be a beekeeper. After being employed for a month and a half I felt like it was in my best interest to go beyond the books and see what the hype was all about.

This is going to be a blog about Beekeeping from the Beginning. I am starting my first beehive, with no experience at all, and through my blog postings I hope you the reader will gain some insight through any problems that I might run into.

Starting from the very beginning: I placed an order for my Bee Package. I had the option of purchasing a NUC (nucleus hive) that would give me five drawn frames, an already laying queen and a NUC box if I ever needed it for future use. I skipped out on the NUC and went with a package instead because I wanted to start at square one. With my package of bees ordered and ready for pickup at the end of March, I need to get my hive setup before they come.

English Garden Bee-Ginner's Kit

Materials List:

• English Garden 8-Frame Bee-Ginner's Kit 
• Inner Cover
• Copper Top
• 2 Medium Depth Cypress Supers
• 16 Grooved top/bottom Medium Frames
• I.P.M. Bottom Board
• 16 Sheets 'no hook' Crimp Wire Foundation
• Hatless Veil
• Plastic Gloves
• Brushy Mountain Smoker with fuel
• Bee Brush
• Hive Tool
• Plastic Entrance Feeder
• Beginner's Book
• Instructional DVD
• White Paint and Paint Brush (purchased at Lowe's)