(11-24-2012, 02:17 PM)Oceania Wrote: i also would like to keep bees. i think it's a noble profession. you gotta let the bees keep at least half the honey right?
I don't really know the amount, but yes, the bees get to keep what they need and the beekeeper just gets the excess. In contrast to commercial beekeeping, wherein the bees are fed sugar water so the beekeeper can take more honey. Consequently, the bees aren't as healthy.
That's why organic beekeepers aren't having much problem with the 'disappearing bees' problem. It's the commercial beekeepers who are having the problem. Organically raised bees have much stronger immune systems. So the more people have backyard hives, done organically, the more we can all help save the bees.
I have a space that would be perfect for bees, but I hesitated because I wanted to be sure my dogs and cats are safe. I need to get better educated on the subject before I take it on. It's a big responsibility!
If you want to do it, you should contact Pablisimo. He knows everything!