> I guess my question is: Can a person just have a hive or two, > get a little honey, and keep his sanity without having to constantly > restock the hives? Mick, it may sound like there are thousands of problems, every one insurmountable, but it is not always that bad. I have often had only one or two hives, and kept them for years without having to restock. I must admitt, I don't have any mite problems, so that might make a difference. As for the sanity refference, I don't think most beekeepers had a great deal in the first place. :-> Adrian.