I don’t think he’s in LA
, I wanted to get into bees this year, but it didn’t happen. Co worker has em and I just trade eggs for honey
Sorry about that!
Ohio sure is a far cry from LA!
Bees are fun, and particularly educational for your young children.
Try to educate yourself a bit through the remainder of this year, to be ready for next Spring.
Two good sources of info, and equipment are:
Mannlakeltd.com
and Dadant.com
You can assemble your own equipment from various parts/pieces/kits that they both sell.
I would buy from either, but not from both.
One colony is NOT recommended, as you will have nothing to compare it's production/survival to.
Two colonies would be good to start.
Plan to eventually spend like you might, if buying a good grapple.
You will need some time to assemble the (wood) parts and pieces, and this would be a fun shop, or basement project with your children in the Winter.
Lots of parts and pieces to be glued/nailed together.
It is really not all about the honey.
It is really all about the experience!
At 83, probably will never use my (two colonies) equipment again, but am still hanging on, and hoping that an adult grandson might use the equipment.