Recent Changes for "Backyard Beekeeping" - Davis Wiki

Backyard Beekeeping

TimQuick — 2009-06-13 10:35:24

update

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 10:	Line 10:
	+ \|\|<bgcolor='#E0E0FF'>This Experimental College course is no longer active. If you want to teach beekeeping through the EC, please email the [mailto:ecgarden@ucdavis.edu Experimental College] today!\|\| +
Line 11:	Line 13:
	+

Backyard Beekeeping

JasonAller — 2009-03-22 08:58:50

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 10:	Line 10:
-
Line 13:	Line 12:
- ''If you plan on keeping bees, get your equipment together as soon as possible so that you are prepared when you find the bees or the bees find you''	+ ''If you plan on keeping ["bees"], get your equipment together as soon as possible so that you are prepared when you find the bees or the bees find you'' +
Line 32:	Line 32:
	+
Line 66:	Line 67:
- A local operation in Vacaville run by Tom Parisian, an alum of the UC Davis Entomology Department. Their specialty is raising Russian-Carniolan hybrids that are specifically bred for mite resistance.	+ A local operation in ["Vacaville"] run by Tom Parisian, an alum of the UC Davis ["Entomology"] Department. Their specialty is raising Russian-Carniolan hybrids that are specifically bred for mite resistance.
Line 70:	Line 71:
- ''It seems that every year a new book on how to keep bees is published. The list below is far from comprehensive, as a quick check of the several hundred titles available at the UC Davis library will confirm. If anyone has titles they wish to add to the list, please edit them in! The links all direct to Amazon.com for reviews, details and availability.''	+ ''It seems that every year a new book on how to keep bees is published. The list below is far from comprehensive, as a quick check of the several hundred titles available at the ["Shields Library" UC Davis library] will confirm. If anyone has titles they wish to add to the list, please edit them in! The links all direct to Amazon.com for reviews, details and availability.''
Line 111:	Line 112:
- The description is "To establish a communitiy where beekeepers can learn Organic Beekeeping field management without the use of drugs, chemicals, essential oils, FGMO, acids, fungicides, bacterial/viral inhibitants, micro-organism stimuli, and artificial feeds". Some of the people can be rather dogmatic on their views of what constitutes organic, but stimulating not the less.	+ The description is "To establish a community where beekeepers can learn Organic Beekeeping field management without the use of drugs, chemicals, essential oils, FGMO, acids, fungicides, bacterial/viral inhibitants, micro-organism stimuli, and artificial feeds". Some of the people can be rather dogmatic on their views of what constitutes organic, but stimulating not the less.

Backyard Beekeeping

EliSarnat — 2007-04-27 08:41:12

(quick edit)

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 69:	Line 69:
	+

Backyard Beekeeping

EliSarnat — 2007-04-26 22:35:14

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 14:	Line 14:
- ===Tools===	+ === Tools ===
Line 18:	Line 18:
- ===Hive===	+ + === Hive ===

Backyard Beekeeping

EliSarnat — 2007-04-26 22:33:18

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 32:	Line 32:
- Ordering package bees from a local supplier is the easiest way to get started. The advantage is that you will get a reliable queen and several pounds of good worker bees in a simple little box. All you have to do is follow the directions and your chances of a successful introduction will be very high. The disadvantage of package bees is that they are expensive.	+ Ordering package bees from a local supplier is the easiest way to get started. The advantage is that you will get a reliable queen and several pounds of good worker bees in a simple little box. All you have to do is follow the directions and your chances of a successful introduction will be very high. The disadvantage of package bees is that they are expensive. See the Beekeeping Resources section on this page for local package suppliers. + + === Catching Bee Swarms === + Every Spring bee colonies begin to multiply themselves by casting swarms. Typically, the old queen will leave with half the colony's workers, and the new queen will inherit the remaining workers and the old nest. The old queen and her workers leave the old nest in a great swarm which they fly around in until they form a cluster on a tree branch, stairwell, or any other object they choose. Once the bees form a cluster, the beekeeper can capture the swarm by knocking it into an empty hive or container. + + The advantage of capturing a swarm is that it is free, and sometimes people will even pay you to take them. It might also be assumed that the swarm came from a colony that was strong enough to make it through the winter, so perhaps the genetics are good. The disadvantage is that the queen may be old and past her prime, and the bees might be from feral hives or hives that were not bred for gentleness which results in mean bees. + + === Buying Pre-established Hives === + Occasionally you might come across someone, often in an advertisement, who is selling used equipment with bees already in it. While these deals are often attractive because you get equipment and bees for an often reasonable price, the danger is that the equipment harbors diseases. It is good to have someone with experience check out the hives before you buy them to make sure they are clean of pathogens.
Line 38:	Line 46:
- ''For a huge list of suppliers, check out B-Z Bee's [http://www.bz-bee.com/bee101f.html Comprehensive Supplier List]	+ ''For a huge list of suppliers, check out B-Z Bee's [http://www.bz-bee.com/bee101f.html Comprehensive Supplier List]''
Line 56:	Line 64:
- - '''[	+ - '''[http://198.65.255.240/home.html Honey Bee Genetics]''' + A local operation in Vacaville run by Tom Parisian, an alum of the UC Davis Entomology Department. Their specialty is raising Russian-Carniolan hybrids that are specifically bred for mite resistance.
Line 60:	Line 69:
	+ + === Articles === + + - '''[http://entomology.ucdavis.edu/faculty/mussen/beebriefs/Started.pdf Getting Started in Beekeeping by Eric C. Mussen]''' + Eric Mussen is the Extension Apiculturist at UC Davis. This article is a brief primer geared towards those who are considering getting started.
Line 90:	Line 104:
- =CLASSES	+ == Internet == + - '''[http://beesource.com/ BeeSource.com]''' + This is the most comprehensive website dedicated to beekeeping on the web. It includes very active forums, including a beginner forum and a forum dedicated to "biological" (non-chemical) beekeeping, great design plans for building equipment, a classifieds section and much more. + + - '''[http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Organicbeekeepers/ Organic Beekeepers Yahoo Group]''' + The description is "To establish a communitiy where beekeepers can learn Organic Beekeeping field management without the use of drugs, chemicals, essential oils, FGMO, acids, fungicides, bacterial/viral inhibitants, micro-organism stimuli, and artificial feeds". Some of the people can be rather dogmatic on their views of what constitutes organic, but stimulating not the less. + + =Classes=

Backyard Beekeeping

EliSarnat — 2007-04-26 21:58:07

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 37:	Line 37:
- == Books ==	+ == Equipment Suppliers == + ''For a huge list of suppliers, check out B-Z Bee's [http://www.bz-bee.com/bee101f.html Comprehensive Supplier List] + + - '''[http://midtowngrid.com/sacbeekeeping/sacbeekeeping.shtml Sacramento Beekeeping Supplies]''' + Davis is blessed to have a retail store dedicated to beekeeping supplies so nearby. While the prices are marked up compared to what you see in the catalogs, it is great to actually be able to see the variety and quality of different products before you buy. Great customer service, too. + + - '''[http://www.dadant.com/ Dadant & Sons]''' + The publishers of the American Bee Journal also publish a good equipment catalog. They have a branch in Chico, CA. + + - '''[http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/ Brushy Mountain Bee Farm]''' + Another reliable equipment catalog + + == Package Bee & Queen Suppliers == + - '''[http://midtowngrid.com/sacbeekeeping/sacbeekeeping.shtml Sacramento Beekeeping Supplies]''' + They stock Italians and possibly others. Pricey, but they have a large stock. + + - '''[http://www.bz-bee.com/ Bz-Bee Apiaries]''' + A relatively local operation run out of Esparto by John Foster. Real nice guy that raises good Italian and Carniolan queens. Very large outfit. + + - '''[ + + == Literature ==
Line 45:	Line 66:
- A new book (2005) aimed at the hobby urban and suburban beekeeper. Lots of color photographs and wide format, making it beautiful but more on the expensive side.	+ A new book (2005) aimed at the hobby urban and suburban beekeeper. Lots of color photographs and wide format, making it beautiful but more on the expensive side. As of
Line 57:	Line 78:
	+ - '''[http://www.amazon.com/World-History-Beekeeping-Honey-Hunting/dp/0415924677/ref=sr_1_1/104-3663463-2699120?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177651267&sr=1-1 The World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting by Eva Crane]''' + The masterpiece culmination of a lifetime's work researching the relationship between bees and humans across time and across the globe. This authoritative treatise is a once in a generation achievement.
Line 58:	Line 81:
- =CLASS #2, April 21= - ==Basic Equipment & Installing a Package== - ===Meet at 101 Bowley 11:00am===	+ === Magazines === + - '''[http://www.amazon.com/American-Bee-Journal/dp/B00006K33U/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-3663463-2699120?ie=UTF8&s=magazines&qid=1177651553&sr=8-1 American Bee Journal]''' + Most popular bee journal in North America. It is geared towards the hobby and sideline beekeeper and every issue has lots of interesting articles and facts.
Line 62:	Line 85:
- =CLASS #1, April 14= - == Beekeeping: a Davis tradition== - ===Meet at 101 Bowley and depart for 122 Briggs, 11:00am sharp===	+ - '''[http://www.amazon.com/Bee-Culture/dp/B00006LB2W/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-3663463-2699120?ie=UTF8&s=magazines&qid=1177651705&sr=1-1 Bee Culture]''' + The other major bee journal for North America. The budget isn't as big as ABJ, but it still has lots of good stuff. + + === Novels & Histories === + + =CLASSES + + == Class #2, April 21 == + === Basic Equipment === + === Installing a Package === + ''Meet at 101 Bowley 11:00am'' + + ==Class #1, April 14 ==
Line 66:	Line 99:
	+ - Observation Hives + - Equipment + - Honey Tasting
Line 67:	Line 103:
- ====Observation Hive====	+ ===Observation Hive===
Line 81:	Line 117:
- ====Observe Behaviors====	+ ===Observe Behaviors===
Line 93:	Line 129:
- ====Equipment Hands On====	+ === Equipment Hands On ===
Line 99:	Line 135:
- ====Honey Tasting====	+ ===Honey Tasting===

Backyard Beekeeping

EliSarnat — 2007-04-26 21:17:48

populating resource section

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 20:	Line 20:
- - brood boxes (2 deep size or 3medium size)	+ - brood boxes (2 deep size or 3 medium size)
Line 23:	Line 23:
- - frames (10 per box, make sure they are the right size)	+ - frames (10 per box, make sure they are the right size for the box)
Line 27:	Line 27:
- - feeder (entrance feeder is easiest, frame feeder works okay and it's easy to make your own out of pails or mason jars)	+ - feeder (entrance feeder is easiest, frame feeder works okay and it's easy to make your own top feeder out of pails or mason jars)
Line 33:	Line 33:
	+ + = Beekeeping Resources = + '''There are a number of great resources both here in the Sacramento Valley and in the world at large to help the beginning beekeeper get started with bees. Remember that there is no one way to practice beekeeping, so exposing ourselves to a diversity of different methods and philosophies will make us better beekeepers.''' + + == Books == + ''It seems that every year a new book on how to keep bees is published. The list below is far from comprehensive, as a quick check of the several hundred titles available at the UC Davis library will confirm. If anyone has titles they wish to add to the list, please edit them in! The links all direct to Amazon.com for reviews, details and availability.'' + + === Beginner Books === + - '''[http://www.amazon.com/Beekeepers-Handbook-Third-Alphonse-Avitabile/dp/0801485037/ref=pd_sim_b_4/104-3663463-2699120?ie=UTF8&qid=1177649098&sr=8-1 The Beekeepers Handbook by Alphonse Avitabile & Diana Sammataro (3rd Edition)]''' + An excellent beginners book that is very up to date (2006), covers a broad range of topics, provides good illustrations, and has an easy to read format. Highly recommendable! + + - '''[http://www.amazon.com/Backyard-Beekeeper-Absolute-Beginners-Keeping/dp/1592531180/ref=pd_sim_b_1/104-3663463-2699120?ie=UTF8&qid=1177649098&sr=8-1 The Backyard Beekeeper: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden by Kim Flottum]''' + A new book (2005) aimed at the hobby urban and suburban beekeeper. Lots of color photographs and wide format, making it beautiful but more on the expensive side. + + - '''[http://www.amazon.com/Beekeeping-Dummies-Howland-Blackiston/dp/0764554190/ref=pd_sim_b_1/104-3663463-2699120?ie=UTF8&qid=1177649098&sr=8-1 Beekeeping for Dummies by Howland Blackiston]''' + Good beginners book that is comprehensive and relatively up to date (2002). + + === Reference Books === + - '''[http://www.amazon.com/Hive-Honey-Bee/dp/0915698099/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1/104-3663463-2699120?ie=UTF8&qid=1177650411&sr=1-6 The Hive and the Honeybee]''' + This is the most classic modern text for beekeeping. The most recent edition was published in 1992 and includes 1324 pages on every topic of beekeeping that was relevant (at least back in the early 90's). Although there is a chapter on beginning with bees, this book is as close to a bible as there is for even the biggest beekeeping operations in North America. Where the beginner books scratch only enough of the surface to get your bees up and flying and troubleshoot a few common challenges, The Hive and the Honeybee delves deeply into all subjects pertaining to the biology, craft and business of beekeeping. + + - '''[http://www.amazon.com/ABC-Xyz-Bee-Culture-Encyclopedia/dp/0936028017/ref=sr_1_1/104-3663463-2699120?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177650780&sr=1-1 The ABC and Xyz of Bee Culture: An Encyclopedia of Beekeeping]''' + A true encyclopedia of beekeeping. This book has a long history, and is more for the hooked addict than the naive newbee. +

Backyard Beekeeping

EliSarnat — 2007-04-24 16:31:02

Began "how to get started" section

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 10:	Line 10:
	+ + =Getting Started with Honeybees= + ==Basic Equipment== + ''If you plan on keeping bees, get your equipment together as soon as possible so that you are prepared when you find the bees or the bees find you'' + ===Tools=== + - Bee Veil + - Hive Tool + - Smoker + ===Hive=== + - bottom board (preferably screened) + - brood boxes (2 deep size or 3medium size) + - queen excluder + - honey boxes (1-3 medium or shallow size) + - frames (10 per box, make sure they are the right size) + - wax foundation for frames (crimped wire is good) + - inner cover + - outer cover + - feeder (entrance feeder is easiest, frame feeder works okay and it's easy to make your own out of pails or mason jars) + + == Getting the Bees == + ''There are three traditional ways to get your own bees -- buying packages, catching swarms, or getting a hold of a pre-established hive.'' + === Package Bees === + Ordering package bees from a local supplier is the easiest way to get started. The advantage is that you will get a reliable queen and several pounds of good worker bees in a simple little box. All you have to do is follow the directions and your chances of a successful introduction will be very high. The disadvantage of package bees is that they are expensive. + + =CLASS #2, April 21= + ==Basic Equipment & Installing a Package== + ===Meet at 101 Bowley 11:00am===

Backyard Beekeeping

KarlMogel — 2007-04-06 23:11:47

spelling, fixed odd bold issue

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 49:	Line 49:
- (1) Go through the honey line at least three times''' - (2) Try describe the relative tastes and colors of the different honeys	+ (1) Go through the honey line at least three times + (2) Try to describe the relative tastes and colors of the different honeys

Backyard Beekeeping

EliSarnat — 2007-04-06 22:46:38

Linked Davis Bee Collective

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 4:	Line 4:
- \|\|<bgcolor='#E0E0FF'>UCD Campus \|\|	+ \|\|<bgcolor='#E0E0FF'>101 Bowley Center \|\|
Line 8:	Line 8:
-	+ \|\|<bgcolor='#E0E0FF'>["Davis Bee Collective"] \|\|
Line 16:	Line 16:
- ====A. Observation Hive====	+ ====Observation Hive====
Line 30:	Line 30:
- ====B. Observe Behaviors====	+ ====Observe Behaviors====
Line 35:	Line 35:
- (5) Do you see nurse bees feeding the grubs pollen and honey sandwhiches?	+ (5) Do you see nurse bees feeding the grubs pollen and honey sandwiches?
Line 42:	Line 42:
- ====C. Honey Tasting==== - (1) Go through the honey line at least three times''' - (2) Try describe the realtive tastes and colors of the different honeys - (3) Which honeys are local and which are distant? - (4) Which honeys come from plants native to California and which come from introudced plants? - - ====D. Equipment Hands On====	+ ====Equipment Hands On====
Line 53:	Line 47:
	+ + ====Honey Tasting==== + (1) Go through the honey line at least three times''' + (2) Try describe the relative tastes and colors of the different honeys + (3) Which honeys are local and which are distant? + (4) Which honeys come from plants native to California and which come from introduced plants?

Backyard Beekeeping

EliSarnat — 2007-04-06 22:35:41

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 1:	Line 1:
- Backyard Beekeeping	+ [[TableOfContents(right)]] + + \|\|<bgcolor='#E0E0FF'>[http://asucd.ucdavis.edu/experimentalcollege/index.cfm?page=search&coursesid=4546 Experimental College Course# 559-1] \|\| + \|\|<bgcolor='#E0E0FF'>UCD Campus \|\| + \|\|<bgcolor='#E0E0FF'>Saturdays, 11:00am -- 12:30pm \|\| + \|\|<bgcolor='#E0E0FF'>April 14 -- June 2 \|\| + \|\|<bgcolor='#E0E0FF'>Contact: [[Mailto(ndemik AT yahoo DOT com, Eli Sarnat)]] \|\|
Line 8:	Line 14:
	+ '''Beekeeping has been a tradition of the bioregion and the university since before the first ever Picnic Day. The Entomology Department puts on an award winning insect display every Picnic Day that features the biology of honeybees and craft of their keeping. We'll group up at the classroom, walk to the honeybee exhibits and introduce ourselves to the world of beekeeping before finishing off with a couple rounds of honey tasting!'''

Backyard Beekeeping

EliSarnat — 2007-04-06 22:22:30

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 5:	Line 5:
- - ==14 April: Beekeeping: a Davis tradition==	+ =CLASS #1, April 14= + == Beekeeping: a Davis tradition==

Backyard Beekeeping

EliSarnat — 2007-04-06 22:14:57

Formatting

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 4:	Line 4:
- CLASS ONE -- Beekeeping: a Davis tradition - April 14, 101 - 101 Bowley Center --> 122 Briggs Hall - The Plan:
Line 9:	Line 5:
- ====Meet at Bowley and depart for Briggs, 11:00am sharp.
Line 11:	Line 6:
- ===A. Observation Hive===	+ ==14 April: Beekeeping: a Davis tradition== + ===Meet at 101 Bowley and depart for 122 Briggs, 11:00am sharp===
Line 13:	Line 9:
- '''Identify the following ten features'''	+ ====A. Observation Hive==== + + Identify the following ten features
Line 25:	Line 23:
- ===B. Observe Behaviors===	+ ====B. Observe Behaviors====
Line 37:	Line 35:
- ===C. Honey Tasting===	+ ====C. Honey Tasting====
Line 43:	Line 41:
- ===D. Equipment Hands On===	+ ====D. Equipment Hands On====

Backyard Beekeeping

EliSarnat — 2007-04-06 22:08:37

A page for the EC course #559 Backyard Beekeeping

Differences for Backyard Beekeeping

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 1:	Line 1:
	+ Backyard Beekeeping + + + CLASS ONE -- Beekeeping: a Davis tradition + April 14, 101 + 101 Bowley Center --> 122 Briggs Hall + The Plan: + + ====Meet at Bowley and depart for Briggs, 11:00am sharp. + + ===A. Observation Hive=== + + '''Identify the following ten features''' + (1) Worker bees -- there will be hundreds of them crawling about + (2) Drone bees -- fewer of these bees and they will have more robust bodies and HUGE eyes + (3) Queen bee -- only one in the hive, long and slender with a beautiful tapering bottom and a paint-marked back + (4) Pollen -- look for open cells stuffed with colorful pollen, often orange and yellow + (5) Nectar -- look for open cells filled with a syrup-like liquid + (6) Honey -- look for closed cells, capped by a light and translucent wax + (7) Capped brood -- look for closed cells, capped by a dark and opaque wax + (8) Uncapped brood -- look for open cells inhabited by a single white worm-like grub + (9) Eggs -- look for "rice grains" stuck the bottom of open cells, usually next to uncapped brood + (10) ??? + + ===B. Observe Behaviors=== + (1) Look on the frames for "dancing bees" + (2) Find the queen again and watch her for 5 minutes + (3) Do you see the "royal retinue" of bees who surround the queen wherever she trods? + (4) Do you see the queen laying eggs? + (5) Do you see nurse bees feeding the grubs pollen and honey sandwhiches? + (6) Find the entrance to the hive against the wall near the window + (7) Do you see bees carrying pollen in their leg baskets? + (8) Do you see "bouncer" bees frisking incoming bees at the entrance? + (9) Follow a single returning forager from the entrance to the frames + (10) Find the queen again and say goodbye + + ===C. Honey Tasting=== + (1) Go through the honey line at least three times''' + (2) Try describe the realtive tastes and colors of the different honeys + (3) Which honeys are local and which are distant? + (4) Which honeys come from plants native to California and which come from introudced plants? + + ===D. Equipment Hands On=== + (1) Bee Boxes + (2) Frames with drawn honeycombs + (3) Smoker + (4) Hive Tool