The Bee Hive

When selecting the type of Bee Hive you will be using, you have to take into consideration the following;
If you are starting off with a nuc ( a small colony of bees), will the frames from the Nuc fit your hive?
Are other bee keepers in your area using the same type of hive? You may need help from them which might mean receiving a frame of brood from their hive. Will it fit?
Are you just buying your hive to look good in the garden?

Although many hundreds of hives have been ' invented' over the past 150 years, the BS National is the most popular among hobby beekeepers in England.

Protection

Veil, Veil and Jacket or Full Suit, Gloves.

All Bee Keepers get stung at one time or another but is that a reason to always wear a full suit of white armour when handling bees. It is true that a full suit will give beginners confidence when handling bees and if you are inspecting unfamiliar bees away from your apiary, you don't know what to expect, but you don't have the choice to 'down dress' when your 're handling calm, quiet bees.

Tools

The main tools you need are a smoker, bee brush and a hive tool.

Feeder

Although there are many types of feeders, a contact feeder is a good
low cost feeder.

Bees

You're not a Bee Keeper without some Bees