Thanks for the info West Texas Mark. First of all I do want to discuss my
location because I have some concern that it isn't ideal. I live in southern
Oregon on the border of Cal/Or. The summers here are very dry. Only a few rains
a year at best. Around me is plenty of forest with furs, pines, and oaks as
well as a prairie with abundant wild flowers and grasses. (About six acres or
so) It seems to me that there is plenty of things for them to gather from but I
don't know my head from a hole in the wall about this stuff yet. Also, there are
bears that live in my neighborhood what should I do to protect hives from bears?
Can I build some sort of frame covering that will keep them out? Eric

----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Coldiron
Sent: Saturday, November 02, 2002 5:49 AM
To: KEEPINGBEES@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [KEEPINGBEES] getting started

Hello Eric,

I've toyed with the idea of growing mushrooms. Maybe we can help each
other. I've been keeping bees for only a few years, but am doing it on a
commercial basis. So, I can give you some do's and don'ts to make it easier
to get started.

First, a lot depends on where you live. So, let us know where you are.
Also describe the area around you, the plants, trees, farms, crops, etc...

I wouldn't advise buying kits. You can probably get a better price and get
what you really want by buying each thing separately.

In the beginning, buy new things. This will let you see how they should be
made. Later you can make your own. Plans can be found at www.beesource.com
.

You should get a couple of books to begin with. The two that most
beekeepers use are: "The Beekeeper's Handbook" and "The Hive and the Honey
Bee". http://beesource.com/books/index.htm There are other good ones, but
these are the ones I have and are pretty much standard in the industry.


Join a local beekeeping association.
http://beesource.com/suppliers/index.htm gives their contact information.

Subscribe to one of the beekeeping journals.
http://www.beesource.com/suppliers/journal.htm The American Beekeeping
Journal or Bee Culture are good. A lot of states have there own. Texas has
one.

Decide how many hives you want to start with and how many you want to build
up to. I recommend you start with a minimum of two.

When you buy hive boxes, I recommend using "mediums", also called Illinois.
Also, you will save yourself a lot of frustration if you pick one size and
stick with it for everything - mediums work well for that.

That's enough advice for one email. Good luck and I AM interested in
mushrooms. Any ideas on how to get started?

West Texas Mark


> I'm a mushroom farmer and a market gardener. I'm looking to
> establish my first hive or maybe two starting this upcoming spring. I
> see starter kits from aperiary companies but I would really like to
> build my own hives. My question is-should I buy one of these starter
> kits or can I collect these things on my own for less money? Also-
> where can I find plans for hives on line? Or should I order and study
> the pieces they send me? Eric


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