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Good idea or not?

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BahamaMama

Joined: 21 Sep 2006
Posts: 2315
Location: Away with the fairies

Posted: Thu Jul 10, 14 12:42 pm Post subject: Good idea or not?

I have been offered the opportunity of second-hand bee keeping equipment:-

Two hives, one old, one newish with frames
One suit
Two smokers
Books
and a few other bits and bobs

£175

This seems reasonable to me but I have been told that the lady that is selling never got on with her bees.

I am concerned for disease/infestations but reckon that cleaning/scorching could deal with that.

Is buying second-hand bee stuff a good idea?

woody guthrie

Joined: 28 Jan 2009
Posts: 209
Location: Cork, Ireland

Posted: Thu Jul 10, 14 1:22 pm Post subject:
I suppose there is always a risk of spreading diseases but I have bought secondhand supers and various other bits of kit. Cleaned as best I could and used the blowtorch on all the bits that would take it. I have always known the provenance of the gear I was buying so I was sure they hadn't give up bees after being wiped out by foul brood etc. I would go for it.

BahamaMama

Joined: 21 Sep 2006
Posts: 2315
Location: Away with the fairies

Posted: Thu Jul 10, 14 1:28 pm Post subject:
Thanks Woodie - in your view does that seem like a reasonable price? We are so new to all this that we don't even know the right questions to ask :-/

gardening-girl

Joined: 25 Feb 2009
Posts: 6024
Location: Somerset.

Posted: Thu Jul 10, 14 4:02 pm Post subject:
I would go for it.If you are a beginner, its not so much to spend out. Scorch all you can though,and, if the frames have old foundation,burn them. All my hives have been bought second hand. Good luck with your beekeeping.

BahamaMama

Joined: 21 Sep 2006
Posts: 2315
Location: Away with the fairies

Posted: Thu Jul 10, 14 4:28 pm Post subject:
Thanks GG, sounds like the apiary is about to expand...... So much for my one hive only policy

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