Site Apiary for Sun, Wind, and Neighbor Buffer
2 hoursPlace hives facing southeast with morning sun, a windbreak to the north, and flight paths above head height near property lines.
Beginner2-4 weeks
First Hive Setup
Complete guide for first hive setup — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
beginning beekeepersbackyard apiarists
Workflow
Assemble Deep Boxes, Frames, and Foundation
1 weekendGlue and screw hive bodies, install wax or plastic foundation in frames, and paint exterior only with low-VOC latex.
Install Package or Nucleus Colony
1 hourShake or gently transfer bees into prepared hive, install fed queen cage, and provide 1:1 syrup until comb is drawn.
First Week Inspection and Queen Release Check
30 minutesInspect at day 3 and 7 for queen release, eggs, and calm brood pattern; add second box when 70% of frames are drawn.
Tools Used
- Apiary Spacing CalculatorPrimary
Calculate minimum hive spacing and apiary layout for your yard dimensions and local ordinance setbacks.
- Hive Frame Count CalculatorPrimary
Determine frame count and box configuration for starter brood chamber and honey super setup.
- Sugar Syrup Mixing Ratio CalculatorSupporting
Mix correct 1:1 spring syrup ratio for new package feeding until comb is fully drawn.
- Brood Frame Percentage CalculatorReference
Track drawn comb percentage to time second brood box addition at 70% threshold.
Checklist
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Compliance
Planning
Equipment
Preparation
Inspection
Management
Reference Materials
Starter Hive ConfigurationTable
Recommended first-year equipment for temperate climates.
| Component | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deep brood box | 2 | Winter cluster space |
| Frames with foundation | 20 | 10 per deep |
| Medium honey super | 1–2 | Add after brood established |
| Bottom board + lid | 1 each | Screened bottom aids mite monitoring |
Second Box TimingFormula
Add second brood box when drawn comb ≥ 70% of first box frame count (typically 7 of 10 frames).
Queen Release StandardStandard
Candy-plug queen cage remains until workers eat through — typically 2–4 days; verify eggs by day 10.
Two Deep Minimum
Single deep brood boxes starve colonies in cold winters — plan two deeps from the start.
Paint Exterior Only
Interior paint fumes repel bees and contaminate wax — exterior latex only.
Suit Up Always
New packages are gentle but stings happen — veil minimum even for quick checks.
Safety Notes
- Always wear a veil and gloves — even docile colonies can become defensive.
- Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if you have any history of allergic reactions to stings.