Creating a Cutout for Demonstration

[KONASDAD]

In aniticipation of hosting a statewide beekeepers meeting in NJ, I need your suggestions. I will be hosting a hands-on style beekepers meeting. I want to demonstrate  a cutout from both a wall and a tree. I have a lead on a bee tree that is already down and leaning against a barn. The property owner just wants the bees back if possible and he will donate the tree for a "LIVE" cutout. Truthfully, this is good to demonstrate, but a removal from a wall would be ideal. So I was thinking of making a false cutout.
This is my plan, .Take 4x4's and put ply wood on both sides. Use 2x4 to close off top and bottom. Now I have created a portable piece of wall. I will use screws to put the top bar on so I can swing it out of way . I will put bees inside the false wall and close. I will pre-drill 3/8" holes along bottom and top for entrances. I will also provide a spot to put jar feeder on top. I will then put a hanging swarm inside the false wall in March. The removal will be done in front of an audience June 6, 2009.

Am I crazy??Any suggestions or thoughts

[iddee]

It sounds like a lot of fun, but as many fun things, it is against the law. You are setting up a hive without removable frames, which, I think, each of the 50 states have a law against.

Also, how many wall cutouts are done through plywood. I think sheetrock would be easier and more real for one side. Possibly plywood and siding for the other, if the removal will be done from the "outside".

[Kathyp]

i have done several through plywood.  they have been in barns.

for the short time you'd have the hive going, i can't imagine that anyone would complain.  to bad someone doesn't have a section of wall with hive in it, but no bees.  i have walked away from a couple of those that would have been perfect, but the bees had been poisoned. 

 course, you are back east and you all have some strange ways of doing things....maybe one of your beekeeper buddies can help you figure out if you'd end up in trouble. 

[KONASDAD]

I'm really not worried about moveable frames. They will be installed in a langstroth when all is said and done. I too have seen many behind plywood, lathe, plaster, brick, siding etc. Its the hole size and location and howmuch room is inside. If nothing else, people could see hgow a feral hive is built...

[Cindi]

Oh Konasdad.  I am thrilled about the stuff that so many of my forum friends do, stuff like what you are going to do infront of that audience.  And yes, I am the first to say this, I THINK THAT YOU ARE NUTS!!!  All of you that get  so close and up personal with the bees, like doing the cutouts in buildings and the likes, I think you're all nuts!!!  But, hey, that's what makes this world such a wonderful place.  Konasdad, you have fun with that, and I'll be awaiting to hear what comes from this, smiling.  Have that most wonderful and awesome day, life, health, love and be loved.  Cindi

[JP]

Why not use plexiglass for one of the walls? You can enjoy watching them build before your removal and can also guage their progress.


...JP

[gaucho10]

I'm sorry but did I understand correctly that it is against the law to create a hive between two pieces of plywood>

[Scadsobees]

I think it would work.  It sounds like fun, you could even just build a section of a wall with 2x4's and I like the plexiglass.

gaucho, it is technically illegal to keep bees without removable frames because of reasons of disease and the need to easily inspect brood.  However, there are thousands of bees breaking that law and I've not seen any police arresting any of them yet.  I wouldn't sweat that as long as it is used for educational purposes and done wisely.

Rick

[gaucho10]

Thanks for the clarification Scadsobees.

[KONASDAD]

Why not use plexiglass for one of the walls? You can enjoy watching them build before your removal and can also guage their progress.


...JP

Great Idea!!! Do I need to make it dark other than when I am looking at it?

Yes Gaucho, a "maintained hive" requires moveable frames for the apiarist to inspect. So yes techinically it may be against the law. Nonetheless, the apiarist of my state will be there and I will be doing it anyway. The education is more important I think.

[JP]

Seth, I tried to find you a picture, I will keep trying, of a hive in between plywood and a window, which gave me the idea.


...JP

[Keith13]

Seth, I tried to find you a picture, I will keep trying, of a hive in between plywood and a window, which gave me the idea.


...JP

I remember that picture it was a hive since Katrina homeowners boarded up windows and bees moved in.

Cool Picture

Keith

[Keith13]

Seth, I tried to find you a picture, I will keep trying, of a hive in between plywood and a window, which gave me the idea.


...JP

I remember that picture it was a hive since Katrina homeowners boarded up windows and bees moved in.

Cool Picture

Keith

Got it

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,13577.0.html

Awesome shots JP

Keith

[KONASDAD]

Just look at the size of those combs. About 30" long at we all know what they weigh. Amazing. i love looking at feral hives.

[JP]

First off, thanks Keith, I had trouble remembering where that folder was. Seth, I hope this gives you a good idea, and to answer your question, If I were to mimic this, I would start by stapling blackboard (vapor barrier material) to the inner side of plywood, nail it to the vertical studs, add top and sill plate, then plexiglass the other side. You could hang a tarp over the plexiglass and raise it when you want to view the colony.


...JP

[KONASDAD]

All I need now is for swarm season to begin... spring fever is hitting w/ our unseasonably warm week. Bees flying hard w/ snow being predicted for weekend. Gotta love this!

[JP]

Gives you more time to build the observation hive. ;)


...JP