Hi There Everyone,
My name is David and i live in Middleburg, Florida. I started beekeeping this past April and am loving every minute of it. I have had my ups and downs with the hives. Purchased 3 nucs when I started. Immediately placed in full sized hives. One hive swarmed 4 weeks later. Split the other two into two more hives so by the end of May I had 6 hives. In late July, two hives went queenless and try as I might, I couldnt get them to raise a queen or accept a new queen, so I re-joined them back with two other hives and now I sit with four hives (two doubles and two singles). I did manage to get about 120 lbs of honey from the spring and fall flow, so I did feel lucky with them.
Last night was our first real cold and it was down to 20 degrees so hopefully they will be fine. Also, I just ordered 3 more hives for an April delivery and if all goes well, I am planning on splitting the other 4 hives into 10 about the same time.
I would definately suggest either purchasing a nuc or a complete hive when you start. Also, dont just get one hive. Get two so that if one needs some help, you can take some frames from the other.
