Nate -

I teach a beekeeping class and give the students a shopping list from one
particular supplier.  In the beginning uniformity help us all.  I encourage
them to start two traditional colonies - 10-frame Langstroth hives, two
deep, queen excluder, wood frames, wax foundation.  I also encourage them to
dress in a way that makes them comfortable around the bees.  The price tag
is just over $400 exclusive of bees.  Most start with packages.

I encourage them to resist experimenting or using nonstandard equipment
until they have an understanding of how bees perform in the typical hive.
Then anything goes.

I also have many requests from people who want bees on their property due to
tax incentives.  I offer to place hives as they wish for $250 per colony -
covering the cost of a complete new hive and bees to inhabit it.  I am happy
to do the work and to manage the colonies if they support my efforts.
People are surprised to find how expensive it is to keep bees.

Larry Krengel

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