Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

This is one of the coolest startups I've seen yet... and over 3.5M. Hope they can manage the success. I would love to get one of these hives.

They have hired a production manager, and are hopefully going to be able to meet demand.

From the updates they are seending through it sounds as if they are already starting to get pressure from Jo public. The line about them not being an ecommerce bee supplies website was interesting.

They sent a message today that they are going to establish a mfg location in the US. That's good news, as it will save lots of $$$ on shipping.

I came across this invention only a couple of weeks ago and it has popped up everywhere since then! I haven't read the links or delved into the science of it yet. My first thoughts as a bee keeper was wow that's amazing is it real its so cool. My concerns are around what someone here has also mentioned- hive management. Bees kept for domestic purposes need to be managed properly as after all we are tinkering around with their wonderful eco system. We need to be vigilant and check our hives regularly to ensure they haven't got any disease. for example Australia is one of the only countries in the world that doesn't have verroa mite and we have to stay on the ball to recognise it if it arrives and try and get rid of it (organically in my view) if it does. Just one aspect of hive management.............well best go look at mine who have provided me with over 35 kilos of red gum- that's without a flow hive just a regular one that I got 2nd hand for $100, bees, supers an all 2 years past. Just saying : )

Being a professional bee keeper a few years ago 250 hives I am sceptical
One the honey isent going to fill the jar in minutes and with an active hive there will be thousands of bees hanging around for there share [just leave the extracting room door open ]
As others have said you need to manage hives [foul brood ect ect ]
what do you think the bees will do when there honey is running away
To me they are a gimmick and I wouldn't touch it with a forty foot pole
Have you ever seen a prow with 2000 hives operating
A bit like aquaponics alright on a small scale

No beekeeper here, just thought it was a neat idea and the cost is not far from what I've seen for a regular hive. I don't think the commercial application is really ready to go into production, but they say they tested the hives for 10 years??
I'm looking for a local beekeeper with bees to sell. Being in the landscape/pest control business, I get calls occasionally for swarming bees, but usually turn them over to a local bee keeper. Maybe, i'll buy a suit and do some research on relocating some bees. Any suggestions on not getting stung to death? Shipping date isn't until December, and I have lots to do with RAS and AP between then and now, but, I should be prepared.

Coach,

Check Orlando craigslist. There is a ad that is always on there for free bee removal. They have to be doing something with them, to make money. My guess would be selling them.

Good point, they could also add to their own hives.

I think over the next season or so there is going to be a shortage of nucs and possibly queens as well.

Any suggestions on not getting stung to death?
buy a full suit (zip up work overalls with hat and veil zipped in, wear good boots and socks and still wear thick clothes underneath suit. Use smoke but not too much. Stay calm and don't bang stuff around bees are very sensitive to vibration. If possible deal with honey combs first and leave the brood until last. They are very protective of their babies and their queen (she will be in the brood area).

Thanks Rue. Not sure if beekeeping is a good choice being allergic to bees.lol I'm not highly allergic, but swell up a lot more then the average person. Working outside my whole life, I get stung pretty regularly, although mostly from more aggressive species...wasps, yellow jackets. I'll take it easy the first few times and see how the swelling goes.

I would seriously like to get one..

But, I wonder where you would get the bee colony from..

It could be the best way to provide your own fertilisation, given the general lack of bees..
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There are various suppliers of bees out there if you cant find a wild swarm.

Many bee keeper recommend not using wild swarms because of a risk of disease though.

Gawww. Just cracked 4mil.