Steve Bonine wrote:

>  Looks like the cost for starting with two colonies is about
> $550.

When I am asked the question of how much it will cost to keep bees, I
ask if they have a pedigreed dog or cat. I point out that such a pet
easily cost more than starting bees, especially since the pet is a
continuing expense while bees are fairly cheap to keep after the initial
investment. Even a pet from the pound will cost as much as a colony of
bees over a year, with food, medication and vet bills.

And you can leaved home and your bees are fine while the pet will need a
  kennel or friend to keep them.

Plus you get honey and pollination form the bees.

But a pet does give you lots of manure to pick up and compost.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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