How did they do over the winter? Seems the past 2 winters were particularly hard on hives and lots of folks lost all or a good chunk of their colonies.I have 3 hives this year on Whidbey Island. Snohomish Bee Company is a good source of information and equipment in your area.
We are going straight into honey bees. My girls have never been afraid of bees. They often pick up bees and hold them. I think they will be naturals around bees.I have some backyard hobby bees. I went through Crown Bees based out of Woodinville. These are solitary bees (Leafcutter or Mason) vs hive type bees (European Honey Bee). Solitary bees as best for pollination if that is what you're looking to get into. Great way to get into bees. They are non-stinging for the most part, unless you try to get stung.
It was tough winter. I lost 2 colonies in January. I replaced them with Nucs from Stanwood Bee Company. They are doing well as of today.How did they do over the winter? Seems the past 2 winters were particularly hard on hives and lots of folks lost all or a good chunk of their colonies.
Snoho Bee Company - apparently they are under new ownership, so I've heard. New owners aren't really experienced keepers. Just like the business I guess. They sell California packages and don't do their own nucs, queens, etc.