Project description
I'm starting hobby beekeeping this spring and need help turning a corner of my backyard into a small, safe apiary for two hives. I've bought unassembled hive box kits — deep brood boxes, supers, frames with foundation — and need someone comfortable with a screwdriver and a level to put them together squarely, paint the exteriors with a breathable exterior paint, and get the frames spaced correctly with the right bee space maintained throughout.
Beyond assembly, I need a stand built — cinder block piers or a simple treated-lumber frame, whichever holds level best on my somewhat uneven yard — set roughly eighteen inches off the ground so I'm not bending over during inspections and so skunks have a harder time reaching the entrance.
Placement matters most: morning sun with afternoon shade in our climate, a windbreak from the north (I have a fence line and a hedge to choose between), and the entrance angled so the flight path crosses open lawn rather than my neighbor's patio or our own walkway. I'd like the two hives spaced a few feet apart, with slightly different colors or landmarks near each entrance so foragers don't drift into the wrong box.
I want to talk through local setback rules and any hobbyist registration before anything goes in the ground, plus a simple water source nearby so the bees aren't visiting the neighbor's pool. Budget covers box and stand assembly, painting, leveling, and final placement over one to two weekends; I'll source the actual bees and protective gear separately. Please include photos of similar backyard setups you've built and a rough day-by-day plan.
Beyond assembly, I need a stand built — cinder block piers or a simple treated-lumber frame, whichever holds level best on my somewhat uneven yard — set roughly eighteen inches off the ground so I'm not bending over during inspections and so skunks have a harder time reaching the entrance.
Placement matters most: morning sun with afternoon shade in our climate, a windbreak from the north (I have a fence line and a hedge to choose between), and the entrance angled so the flight path crosses open lawn rather than my neighbor's patio or our own walkway. I'd like the two hives spaced a few feet apart, with slightly different colors or landmarks near each entrance so foragers don't drift into the wrong box.
I want to talk through local setback rules and any hobbyist registration before anything goes in the ground, plus a simple water source nearby so the bees aren't visiting the neighbor's pool. Budget covers box and stand assembly, painting, leveling, and final placement over one to two weekends; I'll source the actual bees and protective gear separately. Please include photos of similar backyard setups you've built and a rough day-by-day plan.
Other / Miscellaneous Cash, Bank transfer
