When you are looking at bee hives for sale you will find that there are two primary different types.   You can get either an observation beehive or a beekeeping (honey producing) beehive - also called a Langstroth beehive.   What you buy depends on your objectives.An observation beehive is fantastic for someone who wants to learn about bees and watch their fascinating colonies go about their business.  Think of it like an ant farm.  When you look at these types of bee hives for sale, you will find many beautiful styles available.  These beehives are often placed indoors (they are completely enclosed) with a chute going outside so that the bees can collect their nectar.  This type of hive is strictly for observing bees and not for gathering honey.

If you want to start a beekeeping operation, than you will want to buy a Langstroth beehive with extra supers.  This type of honey bee hive for sale is not as good to look at as an observation hive, but is extremely functional.  This type of hive works by using removable frames which the bees build cells on and fill with honey.  Once the bees have produced enough honey to make it through the winter you can add extra sections or "supers" to your hive and they will fill them as well.  Then you can harvest the honey without damaging the bee colony.

If you decide to buy Langstroth hives and launch a beekeeping operation (either as a hobby or business) don't forget you will also need a beekeeping suit and a bee smoker.  These  two honey bee supplies will protect you from bee stings.

No matter which type of honey bee hive for sale you decide to buy, you are sure to find one that will fit both your style and your needs.  And you can start a hobby that will not only help you with your gardening or farming effort, but also be a very rewarding hobby or business in itself, so enjoy!

If you are handy, you can actually build your own bee hive from scratch.  There are many plans available to do this with and it is not hard if you know that basics of woodworking and don't mind a little painting.

However, if you are like me, you will find it much easier just to buy a bee hive already built.  The current standard in beekeeping - if your aim is to produce honey - is  to buy a "Langstroth" style beehive.  This is a hive with series of wood frames that are removable.  This type of beehive construction allows you to slide the frame out of the hive to inspect it without damaging the hive or the comb.  This enables you to both easily extract the honey and to see the development of the eggs, larvae, and pupae of the new bees.

When you are looking at bee hives for sale this type of hive is the optimum for keeping your bees happy and also for harvesting the greatest amount of honey from your hives.

Other equipment you will need if you are just starting out with beekeeping is a bee smoker to calm the bees and protective clothing.  Many novice beekeeper wear gloves and almost all beekeepers wear a veil and hat when handling the hive to keep from getting stung on their face and neck.

If you are just beginning as a beekeeper, be sure to check out this resource.