Ok, technically not an animal for this category, but close enough :lol:
ODD wants bees - and is getting really excited about it. DH's cousins know a couple of people we are going to try and visit for some beginner info. I am leaning toward a top bar hive for a variety of reasons - anyone else use that style vs. the traditional boxes (I am sure there is a correct term, I just don't know it yet :lol: ). I got her the Beekeeping for Dummies book after a couple other beekeepers recommended it - just got it in today and she asked if I could read some to her tomorrow since it's a bit above her reading level.
As for the top bar - it seems like it would be an easier option for her and I to manage (weight wise especially), not to mention many have windows for viewing which would be a huge perk since it's mostly a kid project. Also, talking to a guy this weekend he gave a number of reasons why her prefers them, one big one being that they don't get as agitated when you do have to go in to check on them (basically saying that instead of tearing apart their whole house - roof and floors included, you only disturb one wall at a time). The honey production won't be as great, but that's not the main reason for doing it. I think it would be a neat educational opportunity, not to mention our yard offers a number of organic food sources which is a tiny step toward saving the bees (we have plenty of visitors from the hives up the hill).
ODD wants bees - and is getting really excited about it. DH's cousins know a couple of people we are going to try and visit for some beginner info. I am leaning toward a top bar hive for a variety of reasons - anyone else use that style vs. the traditional boxes (I am sure there is a correct term, I just don't know it yet :lol: ). I got her the Beekeeping for Dummies book after a couple other beekeepers recommended it - just got it in today and she asked if I could read some to her tomorrow since it's a bit above her reading level.
As for the top bar - it seems like it would be an easier option for her and I to manage (weight wise especially), not to mention many have windows for viewing which would be a huge perk since it's mostly a kid project. Also, talking to a guy this weekend he gave a number of reasons why her prefers them, one big one being that they don't get as agitated when you do have to go in to check on them (basically saying that instead of tearing apart their whole house - roof and floors included, you only disturb one wall at a time). The honey production won't be as great, but that's not the main reason for doing it. I think it would be a neat educational opportunity, not to mention our yard offers a number of organic food sources which is a tiny step toward saving the bees (we have plenty of visitors from the hives up the hill).