Colorado beginner beekeeping

Ok my bees have had a tough time over the past couple of years. i had the hives on a friends property out in Elizabeth.

I think at first they did not get enough afternoon sun and was too cold during the winter months. Even with them wrapped i still lost both hives. I moved last year to a better spot on their property that got more morning sun for longer.

Last year only did one hive. I started from a nuc (small hive, 5 frames with queen). More expensive than a package (just bees and a queen no frames). Queen died, replaced and she just did not lay eggs. By the time I found out season was over.

Nucs get your numbers up faster and have a chance to harvest some honey but costs more than packages. Either one is fine for beginners.

Southwest beekeepers meet first Wednesday of each month at the Pinery Firehouse. Look them up on facebook or web. There are people there who can help you out.

To Bee or Not to Bee has new owners and is closer to us. Now in Littleton. They should have information on nucs and packages that are coming very soon. They have great equipment and supplies. They also have all sorts of classes for beginners.

If you get all the supplies and have no bees see if someone from Southwest beekeepers can help fill it up with a spring swarm.

I decided not to try again this year. I need to get my own yard in shape. I also want to spend some time at my buddies house and get some better flowering plants going. It is also hard for me to get out and attend them the way they need with my work schedule. I will pick up again in a couple of years if I get a chance to step back from pharmacy and move on to something less stressful, Mon-Fri no evenings and no weekends. I will have been practicing pharmacy for 30 years next year. Tired of standing all day, no breaks, stressful and customers who have no respect.

Anyway if you have more questions shoot them my way.