Starting a Hive
You will need at least 10,000 bees with a single Queen bee to start a hive. The weight of all of these bees can be about 2.5 to 3 pounds. You can buy a package of bees in a cage and place it in a new hive.
A single honey bee colony could consist of anywhere from 10,000 to over 60,000 bees. The colony has a queen, hundreds of drones, and thousands of female workers. Bees will travel up to five miles to find water. However, it is best to provide water much closer for your bees.
How to Start
Beekeepers generally purchase a queen and a package of bees together. It’s estimated that an average bee colony has 30,000 bees in it. For your first hive, start with one. When you begin beekeeping, a package from an experienced beekeeper typically contains about 10,000 bees weighing about 2.5 to 3 pounds.
Starting with an excessively large number can lead to bee overload, which is more difficult to manage and can lead to swarming. The goal is to start with a number that allows the colony to grow organically and healthily.
Hive Management and Profit
How many hives for beginners?
2-3 hives are best for beginners; managing and splitting strong hives over time is advisable.
Commercial beekeeping:
To make a profit, you’ll probably need at least 500 beehives. This will provide a lucrative return on investment from honey production and pollination services.
Hive costs:
A new hive may cost about $150, clothing and gear another $160, and a package of new bees $125 to $150. Starter kits with bees, boxes, and gear may offer better pricing.
Optimal Timing and Hive Growth
When to start:
The spring is the ideal time to start a new beehive. With warm weather and blooming flowers, it’s perfect for setting up your hive.
Hive construction:
It takes between 2 months to a full season for bees to build a new hive, with honeycomb construction starting in 7 to 14 days after establishing a colony.
Hive comparison:
The average backyard hobbyist should start with at least 2 hives to compare development.
Remember, it is important to weigh the package of bees to ensure it is between 2.5 and 3 pounds before releasing them into the hive.