Beekeeping > TBH, Warre, and Other Alternative Hives

Portable Obsevation Hive

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tedh:
Hi Everyone,
   Brother is going to build an observation hive for us to use at a few honey bee presentations here locally.  Is there an optimum size, 1 frame, 2 frame, 3 frame, etc..  Should it be be build so the frames rest side by side as in a typical hive or should the frames (2 frames) be placed end to end?  Side by side would give the girls a place to get out of the light but end to end would allow people to see both sides of each of two frames. I can't imagine the bees would be in there more than 3 hours and that would be a stretch.  Probably closer to 2 hours.  Other things to keep in mind or any added amenities to the OB hive?  Ventilation comes to mind.  Others?  Thanks, Ted

Perry:
Mine is 3 deep frames high, could probably have gotten away with just 2 deep high. I don't think you want anything wider than a single frame, people hope and hunt for the queen. With a 3 framer you have the choice of leaving them in there for longer, easily several days if needed.
I have lots of ventilation in mine and the bees can propolize the screens if they choose.
OB hives are one of the best ways to grab and keep kids attention! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

tedh:
THAT'S nice Perry!  Could you post some more pics, closeups of the venting, and construction details?  Never thought of the frames on top of each other.  Can the frames be observed from both sides?  It appears in one of the pics the OB hive has at least one side covered with something white?  How do you install the frames?  More man, more!  Ted

Perry:
There's not a lot to it. The glass is actually 2 sheets of Lexan (one for each side) and they just slide down into slots on the sides when the lid is up. Those white pieces you mentioned are just cloroplast (real esate sign) material that slide into another slot next to the Lexan to protect and darken the hive. On the one end I have a feeder jar with a tunnel built to it to give bees access, and on the other end just a 1" hole for the bees to come and go if I let them. Plenty of screened vent holes on top and down each side (I have wooden plugs to block them off if needed).
If you wanted a good Ob. hive to buy though, I would go for one of those Ulster OB hives. :)

neillsayers:
That is really cool, Perry. Those kids will never forget that.

Good on you Ted for giving beekeeping the good PR! :)

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