Beekeeping For Newbees®

In this episode we pick up right where we left off and continue the install process, including a mistake I made and how to handle it if it happens to you. We also walk through what to do after installation, how to handle feeding, and what to expect in those first few days. This wraps up the install process and sets you up for your first inspections. 
What’s Inside This Episode:
• What happens if you remove the wrong cork on a queen cage and how to fix it
• Why leaving your bees alone after install is one of the most important steps
• How and when to check queen release without disturbing the colony
• Feeding strategies after install and when to start tapering off
• Differences in feeding and management between packages and nucs
• Common mistakes like over-inspecting and delaying installs too long
• What to expect in the first week and how to prepare for early inspections
Why Listen to This Episode?
Even small mistakes during install can have a big impact if you do not know how to handle them. This episode helps you recover from those moments and sets clear expectations for what comes next.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Vented Entrance Reducer: https://youtube.com/shorts/bd6cEeE_kSk
Swarm Trap Prep and Bait Video: https://youtu.be/VOn8nv4ZqKE
Building a Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we walk through the process of installing package bees and what to expect on day one. We break down the differences between packages and nucs, how to prepare your hive, and the exact steps to get your bees settled in safely. This is part one of a two-part series, focusing on setup and install before moving into early follow-up and inspections. 
What’s Inside This Episode:
• The key differences between package bees and nucs and how that affects your starting point
• Why protective gear is still important even when bees are less defensive during install
• How and when to feed new packages
• Using a sprayer to calm bees during install
• Positioning the queen cage for a safe release
• Getting frames back in place and closing up the hive without crushing bees
Why Listen to This Episode?
Installing bees is one of the most important moments for a new beekeeper. This episode walks you through the process so you can avoid common mistakes and start your colony off strong.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Installing Packages: (links forthcoming)
Checking Queens: (links forthcoming)
Bucket Feeder: https://youtu.be/lTowIiSjTtg
Mixing 2:1 in a Bucket: https://youtube.com/shorts/sQqb_uuYzhQ
Never Take Hive Notes Again: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we jump into a Bee Buzz and work through a series of listener questions from around the country. We cover a range of real-world scenarios including equipment cleanup, feeding decisions, splits, brood development, and adding space. This is a practical Q&A focused on what beekeepers are dealing with right now. 
What’s Inside This Episode:
• How to clean used frames and what to watch out for when reusing old equipment
• Feeding decisions during spring buildup and how syrup fits into comb production
• How to set up new packages and when to expand from a single box
• Timing splits and why drone availability is critical for successful mating
• Why bees may ignore pollen patties and how to use them safely
• Uneven brood expansion between colonies and what is considered normal
• When to add honey supers and how to avoid becoming honey bound
Why Listen to This Episode?
These Bee Buzz episodes focus on real questions from real beekeepers. If you are working through spring decisions and want straightforward guidance, this episode gives you practical answers you can use right away.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we take a step back from the hive and talk about some important updates. We start with a big thank you to the community and supporters who help keep everything going, then dive into the Master Beekeeper program, what it was designed to do, and why things have shifted. We also introduce the new coaching app and how it is shaping the future of how this content is delivered. 
What’s Inside This Episode:
• A sincere thank you to listeners and Buy Me a Coffee supporters and how that support directly impacts the work being done
• Hitting a major milestone in podcast downloads and what that growth means for the community
• What the Master Beekeeper program was designed to accomplish and who it was built for
• Why the original course rollout was delayed and the challenges behind the scenes
• The vision of creating a more accessible path for beekeepers with unique challenges or limitations
• How the new coaching app works and how it delivers training, tracking, and resources in one place
• What the shift to the app means for future content, training, and ongoing development
Why Listen to This Episode?
This episode gives you a clear look at where everything is heading and why certain decisions were made. If you follow the podcast or are interested in the upcoming training tools, this connects all the pieces.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we walk through feeding bees during the active season and when it actually makes sense to step in and help. We cover sugar syrup, protein sources, common feeding scenarios, and the mistakes that can cause more harm than good. If you have ever wondered when to feed and when to leave them alone, this will help you make better decisions. 
What’s Inside This Episode:
• What feeding really means and the difference between carbohydrates and protein for bees
• When feeding makes sense including spring buildup, dearth periods, and late season preparation
• Situations where feeding is created by beekeeper actions like splits and new packages
• Why feeding at the wrong time can lead to problems like overstimulation or swarming pressure
• How to mix 1:1 and 2:1 sugar syrup and when each approach is used
• The most common feeder types and the pros and cons of each
• Common feeding mistakes and how to avoid creating bigger problems in the hive
Why Listen to This Episode?
Feeding can help your colonies grow and survive, but doing it at the wrong time or the wrong way can set you back. This episode helps you understand when feeding is useful and how to approach it without creating unintended issues.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Bucket Feeder: https://youtu.be/lTowIiSjTtg
2:1 Sugar Syrup Mix: https://youtube.com/shorts/sQqb_uuYzhQ
Water Feeder: https://youtu.be/wXTMhxdLW_I
Pollen Feeder: https://youtu.be/7tnRS83jw6s
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy