NEW EQUIPMENT IS CLEAN EQUIPMENT I would advice any beginning beekeeper to start with new equipment. A number of beginners I know who started with used equipment had trouble with various maladies (ABF). It may not be that the previous owner knew of the problems but that they medicated and kept the problems at bay. Loosing your bees 2 winters in a row due to disease can cost $100 and be very disheartening. If you start with new equipment you are much less likey to have problems your first year! TWO HIVES ARE BETTER THAN ONE As has been stated before, I you can afford it, starting with two hives provides a better learning setting. You can compare the hive behaviors and at least see that both hives are behaving that way. You can use brood from one hive to supplement a weak hive or a hive that is hopelessly queenless. You have double the chance of experiencing various managment problems. Jim Moore 2nd year - 5 hives Ma.