I am so bummed out...no bees for me.

[journey11]

This is just a lament...

My MIL is always in the right place at the right time when it comes to deals. She met an elderly man who was looking to rehome his beehives because he couldn't keep up with them anymore. She got his number and told me to give him a call. I was doing my little happy dance. My dad kept bees when I was a kid and I've wanted to get started with bees forever. I just haven't had an extra $500 laying around to buy all new equipment.

Well, I called him yesterday and no deal. He said he "didn't want to discourage me, but there is more to keeping bees than you would think." All I told him was my name and that I was interested. He's not going to give them up to just anybody. Appearantly I am too young and too female to be taken seriously.

Just a rant... I know you guys can feel my pain. I've been researching beekeeping for years. I really wanted those bees!

 

[obsessed]

well stop being so young and so girly

 

[HiDelight]

AWWWWWWWWWWWW

ps your blog is darling

 

[Ridgerunner]

Check for a local beekeepers association. You might be able to get on a list for wild hives that homeowners or businesses often want removed and you can get for free. It may take a while as that list is probably long, but your name will not advance unless it is on there. You might get a deal on equipment or learn how to make some of your own. And I'll bet some of the members are women. They are here.

Believe it or not, us old white males can sometimes experience discrimination too. Not as much as some others I know, but such ignorance is not pleasant anytime it is encountered. But then I only encounter that type of ignorance when I deal with people, read something they have written, or hear something they have said, like on TV or radio.

The past century was a great one for overcoming prejudices. Imagine a woman going into space. I'm hoping the trend continues.

Yeah, if certain people see that last statement, they will say, yes, send more women into space. That is not what I meant!

 

[lesa]

See if you have a beekeeping association near you- ours is out of our local cooperative extension. They have classes and general info about keeping bees. Maybe you can impress the guy, if he knows you are actively studying bees...? I am sure you already have enough knowledge- but something "official" might impress him...Don't give up!

 

[Greensage45]

Hi,

This man has more than invested his time and devotion to his bees, he has dedicated his heart to their preservation and protection.

A Bee Parent he is, and it appears a good one at that; I do not blame him for him trepidation.

I would recommend that you go visit him, ask him to allow you visit the bees and see his operation. I bet he might even let you take a participating role in an activity or two. Like looking for mites, cleaning older trays to make way for new comb to be created. I believe this would be a great time to evaluate the honey production and to make sure the hive has enough to make it through the winter. (I know, existing hive, probably well stocked), but the action of the beekeeper is the vital part here.

I would chew the old man's ear off with questions and thoughts and stories of how he became involved. You might just win his big ole Bee Heart over!

At any rate, this is not a 'no', I can tell; this is an overprotective parent with good intentions and you need to show him that you are prepared and responsible. Do not fret if he still rejects you; he could just be a cranky old fart with a sexist attitude (lots of those out there), and this is not the only action you can take. There are several sites where you can purchase a box full of bees with the queen in a tiny little cage.

Wishing you luck, Ron

Also, you could get your hive set up and there is the off chance a hive that has decided to let the new queens out might find your new set-up and move right in. I know every Spring a swarm goes through my garden and lands nearby as they are searching for their new home. This past Spring I was sitting outside when they flew over and they actually moved into an old tree next door. I doubt my neighbor even knows they are there. I am ecstatic about it because if I can ever muster the ability to get it together I would like to have a hive set up in the garden. They are close and one day they will overpopulate their new digs.

Take care, Keep your head up, this should not be taken personally; this man does not know you and is only going on his own prejudices and judgment. Win him over or find a reputable dealer online.

Ron

 

[journey11]

Thanks for the good advice everyone. I will call my extension agent and see if they can put me in touch with a beekeepers association. I never thought of that.

I truly don't blame him for screening potential homes. I know I am pretty selective about who I give divisions of my periennials to! He said he worked with bees for over 40 years, so I can only imagine.

I just got too excited when I heard about it. I was really hoping this could be my foot-in-the-door!

PS--Hidelight, I liked your blog so much I had to get my own!

 

[prism]

If he lives close enough, I would call him back and offer to help take care of them so he doesn't have to give them away "yet". That would help earn his trust in your knowledge and capabilities and when he is truly ready to part with them..... well, hope that you'd be the first person he'd feel comfortable with giving his bees a new home.

In the meantime, you might be offered to share some honey for your hard work? :bee:bee