Backyard beekeeping has grown enormously in popularity. Responsible beekeeping requires knowledge of colony health, disease management, and the welfare implications of management decisions.
Backyard beekeeping creates welfare responsibilities for the millions of bees in each managed colony. Inadequate varroa management is the single most common welfare failure, causing colony collapse from disease burden. New beekeepers who underestimate the knowledge and time commitment involved often cause significant colony welfare harm through inaction. Education and mentorship before acquiring bees produces more welfare-conscious beekeepers.