Kelley Rosenlund 904-392-5551 <[log in to unmask]> posted the
following: ...
 
> A (semi-)young bright eyed boy with $50.00 in hand ... drives home in
> the sunset with hive in back of truck...
>
> ... trusted dog was following up on dad's training to catch flies that
> were in the house and was trying to catch bees that were buzzing
> around her water! I guess sooner or later she will learn the
> difference between "good" flies and "bad" flies. There was only 1 bee
> in the water bowl I had set on the hive and 8 or so in her water bowl.
>
Not to be an alarmist here, but this could be the setup to a
heartbreaking experience.  My brother's dog drank a wasp that was in her
water bowl.  The wasp stung the dog's throat, caused an anaphylactic
reaction (much swelling), and the dog left for the big kennel in the
sky.  Your dog may not have a similar reaction, but I wouldn't take the
chance with my dog.
 
At this time of year there should not be problems with scarce water, at
least in my neck of the woods (upstate New York).  Your bees will find a
source for water (as evidenced by the bees in your dog's bowl).  I would
first make sure that the bees aren't able to get to your dog's dish, and
I would skip the bee's bowl also, and let them find local sources.  It's
good to be aware of potential problems with your bee's harassing your
neighbors, but most likely this won't be a problem unless there are near
drought conditions in your area.
>
> How long do I feed them the sugar water?
>
For as long as they'll take it, or until a major honey flow starts.  You
may want to consider a different type feeder, as an entrance feeder can
be quite a chore with leaks and refills.  My preference is a division
board feeder; others like pail feeders inside an empty super on top of
the inner cover.
>
> they would. They are basically going in circles straight up (counter
> clockwise by the way) before they roam. Is that OK?
>
This sounds to me like orientation flights.  Due to their new location
the bees need to learn a new hive location.  They will fly from the hive
making ever increasing circles around the new location, learning the new
landmarks of the unfamiliar surroundings.
>
> Will Ginger turn into a pumpkin the first time she bites down on a
> "good fly"?
>
Given my brother's experience, a pumpkin wouldn't be so bad.
>
> Is $50.00 a hive a good price?
>
$50 is in the right ballpark for a deep super and a 6 5/8 super, top,
bottom, queen excluder and bees.  $40 would be better and not unheard
of.  Always a concern with used equipment is the possibility of disease.
You might consider adding terrymicin(sp?) to your syrup as a precaution.
 
All in all it sounds like you're off to a good start.  As always, I'd
encourage you to seek out a beekeeper's club or association in your
area if one exists.  Contact your agricultural cooperative extension to
see if such a group exists locally.  You'll learn a lot from the old
timers if you're able to tap their experience.  Good luck!
 
Aaron Morris - I think, therefore I bee!