Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum
BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: windfall on January 07, 2012, 09:37:02 am
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So I am getting ready to build an observation hive. I spent the last couple of days digging around on old threads and such for the basic issues and designs now I have some questions:
Anybody want to outline the pros and cons of the single wide vs double wide configuration?
Obviously, 50% of the hive is hidden in the double wide arrangement, but I assume it is a slightly more "natural" set up for the bees to have at least one space bounded by comb on both sides....greater control of temp and humidity? Do owners of this hive type find the queen working the interior faces preferentially?
I also suppose it allows one to get more frames into a compact arrangement as well. From what I read more frames are easier to manage (especially for someone pretty new), with the limiting factor of weight when hauling the hive outside?
From what I gather so far, Bonterra seems to be the biggest (only?) proponent of the double wide arrangement. I like the basic design of the swing view and will most likely build some variation on that concept.
Separately, what about odors? Generally I have found that I really like the smells of the hives, but they do get funky and strong sometimes. In the interest of household peace, I would like to be able to either warn my wife, or build to eliminate the issue.
Is this an issue? I controlling venting can be tricky with OH. Do users find simple venting (internal to house) to be noticeable/problematic? Has anyone run separate venting to the exterior effectively?
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>Anybody want to outline the pros and cons of the single wide vs double wide configuration?
If you always want to be able to find a queen, single. For practice at finding a queen, for a lot of viewing of brood and caring for brood, you'll need the single. Most of the brood will be in the middle and the queen will almost always be there. For the reasons I have an observation hive, I want a single.
>Obviously, 50% of the hive is hidden in the double wide arrangement, but I assume it is a slightly more "natural" set up for the bees to have at least one space bounded by comb on both sides....greater control of temp and humidity?
Of course it's easier for the bees. But then you lose much more than 50% as most of what goes on will be between.
>Do owners of this hive type find the queen working the interior faces preferentially?
Yes.
>I also suppose it allows one to get more frames into a compact arrangement as well. From what I read more frames are easier to manage (especially for someone pretty new), with the limiting factor of weight when hauling the hive outside?
Weight is my problem. More than four deeps plus the weight of the hive (or five mediums) is too much. Four mediums or three deeps works fine.
>Separately, what about odors? Generally I have found that I really like the smells of the hives, but they do get funky and strong sometimes. In the interest of household peace, I would like to be able to either warn my wife, or build to eliminate the issue.
The only time it has ever been a problem is when the hive died and got taken over by wax moths. Then it smells. Removing it when it dies or repopulating it would be the solution.
>Is this an issue? I controlling venting can be tricky with OH. Do users find simple venting (internal to house) to be noticeable/problematic? Has anyone run separate venting to the exterior effectively?
There is always the tube to the outside... but my vents are otherwise to the inside.
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesobservationhives.htm (http://www.bushfarms.com/beesobservationhives.htm)
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I sort of suspected that the inside faces would become "prime real estate"....definitely defeats most of the purpose.
thanks
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Im thinking about putting a tube to the outside on top and bottom and provide my ventalation without venting in room. Ill just screen off upper entrance. I may screen off bottom to get them flying high, not sure yet. And a single wide is harder to manange from no room to grow and swarming but I may use a trap out method to help with population/swarms once a month or so. And im going with bonterra 5 frame single. but I may add a frame or two and just make it taller.
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The only problem I had with observation hives was the trash. If you have a ventilation or varroa bottom, you will need a drawer or something to clean.
I think better than the idea of ventilation pipes, is a varroa bottom with drawer.
A hive smell is so good! a mixture of wax and honey :)
Better than 100 hives is one observation hive, you will learn so much!
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I have been wondering about the "trash" and weather to have some way to remove like draweres below a #8 screen. But it seems most folks just let the bees handle it and clean out 1 or 2 times a year when working the hive.