Anyone into bee keeping? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Anyone into bee keeping?

Jampy00

Jampy00

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We have a large raised garden bed my wife wants to plant Ontario wild flowers in, we're also starting a garden bed to grow some vegetables.
Got me thinking about bees and I come to find out a past owner had a good honey business on this property. So I'm starting to do some research on it and it is very interesting, not 100% I'll try it but, I'm interested in knowing if anyone else has every tried it or is currently doing it.
 
I knew someone that did it for a few years as part of their hobby farm. They actully were able to produce some honey to sell. It was really good. But i recall he had alot issues with keeping the numbers of bees alive. The farmers in the area kept using insecticides that also started to kill the bees off. Once the queens died the rest of hive either left or died off also. From what ive been told its alot of effort. But worth it more out of interest vs financial reward.
 
Neighbours are doing it and the honey is delicious. The hardest part is keeping the bees alive over winter.

They basically took majority of my ridgid insulation last year to insulate the hives. I think they have 2 or 3.

Lot of work to keep alive, but delicious honey makes its way to me every year.
 
mimico_polak said:
Neighbours are doing it and the honey is delicious. The hardest part is keeping the bees alive over winter.

They basically took majority of my ridgid insulation last year to insulate the hives. I think they have 2 or 3.

Lot of work to keep alive, but delicious honey makes its way to me every year.
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Sounds like your neighbour was taking to much honey from the hive, the bees need the honey to survive over winter if you takes all the honey they die
 
ToSlow said:
Sounds like your neighbour was taking to much honey from the hive, the bees need the honey to survive over winter if you takes all the honey they die
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Maybe? I don't know. From what they've said their colonies are keeping their numbers up.

My my experience with beekeeping ends at 'The Bee Movie'.

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Not sure if this may answer some of your questions.

Apiology 101 - Online Beekeeping Courses | Ontario Beekeepers’ Association

Course 1 - Apiology 101 – Online Introductory BeekeepingThis beginner beekeeping course consists of modules that teach you everything you need to know to get started keeping your own bees. Topics include basic honey bee biology, beekeeping equipment, working in the bee colony, seasonal beekeeper...
www.ontariobee.com www.ontariobee.com
 
A friend started keeping bees a few years ago. They sell honey for ~$24 a pound and aren't making money. The real money to be made with bees is renting them to farms for pollination. That being said they love their bees and are happy with the choice.

Wasps attacked the hive last year and they ran out to close the hive to protect it. No time for protection and bees were obviously riled up. Ended up at the hospital for a shot to counteract all the stings. Almost no stings on a normal day.

There are local apiary clubs that are an invaluable resource. Some apiary stores have courses. Startup costs can be high unless you can find someone to gift you their old equipment.
 
GreyGhost said:
A friend started keeping bees a few years ago. They sell honey for ~$24 a pound and aren't making money. The real money to be made with bees is renting them to farms for pollination. That being said they love their bees and are happy with the choice.

Wasps attacked the hive last year and they ran out to close the hive to protect it. No time for protection and bees were obviously riled up. Ended up at the hospital for a shot to counteract all the stings. Almost no stings on a normal day.

There are local apiary clubs that are an invaluable resource. Some apiary stores have courses. Startup costs can be high unless you can find someone to gift you their old equipment.
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Good insight, thanks for the reply.
Yes, if I was to move forward I would 100% join a club and/or find a mentor without this startup is far more difficult.
I would not be doing this to quit my day job, but as a hobby where I can sell/trade excess goods.
From what I read/watch the first year is always the hardest but it looks to be an enjoyable hobby/past time.
 
GreyGhost said:
A friend started keeping bees a few years ago. They sell honey for ~$24 a pound and aren't making money. The real money to be made with bees is renting them to farms for pollination. That being said they love their bees and are happy with the choice.

Wasps attacked the hive last year and they ran out to close the hive to protect it. No time for protection and bees were obviously riled up. Ended up at the hospital for a shot to counteract all the stings. Almost no stings on a normal day.

There are local apiary clubs that are an invaluable resource. Some apiary stores have courses. Startup costs can be high unless you can find someone to gift you their old equipment.
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A hospital for bees?!?!?!?!
Now I think I have heard it all...
 
  • Haha
Reactions: LBV
raginduck said:
www.facebook.com

HoneyComb Cottage Bee Company - Belfountain | Caledon ON

HoneyComb Cottage Bee Company - Belfountain, Belfountain. 1,009 likes · 62 talking about this · 2 were here. HoneyComb Cottage Bees is located in the beautiful, historical hamlet of Belfountain,...
www.facebook.com www.facebook.com

She's not far from you... try reaching out to her!?

There's others in the Caledon area.
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That leads to another way to startup. Find an existing beekeeper that wants to expand. They keep hives on your property and you learn from them. Not sure how amenable they are as they are training competitors but it may be worth a shot as jampy won't be a major competitor.
 
My best friend is a lifelong pro and comes from a long line of beekeepers, so I know a thing or two. Its his full time livelihood in Alberta. He produces thousands of pounds a year. $24 a pound is robbery! When I run out of free stuff from my buddy I buy it for 15 a kilo from Rae's in Holland Centre. Talk to your local beekeepers and offer them space on your land to place a number of colonies. Then you will get to know them, and beekeeping over time. They'll give you some honey, and you can ease into the fascinating craft.
 
85K100 said:
. $24 a pound is robbery! When I run out of free stuff from my buddy I buy it for 15 a kilo from Rae's in Holland Centre.
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They sell everything they don't keep for themselves at that price. Small batch, boutique, yadda yadda yadda. Apparently it's awesome but I don't buy it as it's too expensive for me. Like farming, the little guy has much higher unit costs and it's hard to make money.
 
GreyGhost said:
That leads to another way to startup. Find an existing beekeeper that wants to expand. They keep hives on your property and you learn from them. Not sure how amenable they are as they are training competitors but it may be worth a shot as jampy won't be a major competitor.
Click to expand...
How do you know? I can become the King of the Bees!!
 
GreyGhost said:
A friend started keeping bees a few years ago. They sell honey for ~$24 a pound and aren't making money. The real money to be made with bees is renting them to farms for pollination. That being said they love their bees and are happy with the choice.

Wasps attacked the hive last year and they ran out to close the hive to protect it. No time for protection and bees were obviously riled up. Ended up at the hospital for a shot to counteract all the stings. Almost no stings on a normal day.

There are local apiary clubs that are an invaluable resource. Some apiary stores have courses. Startup costs can be high unless you can find someone to gift you their old equipment.
Click to expand...

My kid loves bees. We sponsor a hive in Niagara falls (got to custom paint the outside of it too), anytime where down there we go visit them, the farmer gives us a couple jars of honey each year from it too. They don't use any fructose or whatever people use these days to up the bees output, you can taste the difference. Amazing creatures.
 
GreyGhost said:
That leads to another way to startup. Find an existing beekeeper that wants to expand. They keep hives on your property and you learn from them. Not sure how amenable they are as they are training competitors but it may be worth a shot as jampy won't be a major competitor.
Click to expand...

I think the most recent post on her page is selling hives.
 
raginduck said:
I think the most recent post on her page is selling hives.
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While I don't have FB I was able to see her page, you are correct. I assume the colonies are growing and she sells nuc's and hives to get other people started.
 
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