Author Topic: Plastic Hives: Boom!  (Read 1991 times)

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Offline Wandering Man

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Plastic Hives: Boom!
« on: March 17, 2018, 05:58:43 pm »
I was prepared to not like these, but after watching the video, I’m intrigued:



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Offline Wandering Man

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Re: Plastic Hives: Boom!
« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2018, 06:11:48 pm »
Found the brand:  https://apimaye-usa.com/#

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Offline Barbarian

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Re: Plastic Hives: Boom!
« Reply #2 on: March 18, 2018, 06:44:09 am »
In the UK plastic (dense polystyrene) hives have been available for several years. They seem to be increasing in useage. Each year new suppliers and designs are introduced.
If I was starting anew I would investigate giving them a try. As it is, I have a stock of wooden ware.
I have used plastic nucs and would be willing to use them again.

There is a lot of info about plastic hives on a UK beekeeping forum. Send me a PM if you want the web address.
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Offline apisbees

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Re: Plastic Hives: Boom!
« Reply #3 on: March 18, 2018, 02:03:30 pm »
As barbarian said plastic and styrofoam hives have been available for many years Even in North America. the reason they have not caught on is the fact that they are more expensive In North America wood is relatively cheap and so are a lot of the beekeepers. We make our own supers to save a few dollars.
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Offline neillsayers

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Re: Plastic Hives: Boom!
« Reply #4 on: March 18, 2018, 02:48:26 pm »
I think they are a neat idea but the price is prohibitive. if they outlast wood to a significant degree, it would make sense in the long run.
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Offline SmokeyBee

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Re: Plastic Hives: Boom!
« Reply #5 on: March 18, 2018, 05:38:13 pm »
I'm a newbie, but I think it is cost prohibitive. The idea is cool...maybe if they deleted some of the "features" and made a just a plastic hive body, the extra expense could be outweighed by longer life.

Make a plastic box with grooves that will accept medium frames for less than ten bucks and I would buy and try them out.

Offline Les

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Re: Plastic Hives: Boom!
« Reply #6 on: March 19, 2018, 01:36:56 pm »
I wonder if the plastic would become brittle after sitting out in the sun and cold?  Also, as we all know bees propolis everything......how easily would the brood boxes slide on and off after the bees get done with the propolis.  They have done a good job with adding all the bells and whistles to it though.  It is fascinating.

Offline apisbees

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Re: Plastic Hives: Boom!
« Reply #7 on: March 20, 2018, 01:39:28 am »
I'm a newbie, but I think it is cost prohibitive. The idea is cool...maybe if they deleted some of the "features" and made a just a plastic hive body, the extra expense could be outweighed by longer life.

Make a plastic box with grooves that will accept medium frames for less than ten bucks and I would buy and try them out.

Want longer life on wood use a better finish. A good sealer and 2 coats of a real good exterior paint. Or better ye,t dip the supers in wax and then paint them.

For under 10 bucks, You can not buy a commercial super made of wood for that price unassembled.

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Offline Barbarian

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Re: Plastic Hives: Boom!
« Reply #8 on: March 20, 2018, 07:31:28 am »
Sorry. I got confused. I didn't realize that the topic was about HARD plastic hives.
After looking at the video, I think these would be a no no for me.
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Offline SmokeyBee

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Re: Plastic Hives: Boom!
« Reply #9 on: March 20, 2018, 07:59:25 am »
I'm a newbie, but I think it is cost prohibitive. The idea is cool...maybe if they deleted some of the "features" and made a just a plastic hive body, the extra expense could be outweighed by longer life.

Make a plastic box with grooves that will accept medium frames for less than ten bucks and I would buy and try them out.

Want longer life on wood use a better finish. A good sealer and 2 coats of a real good exterior paint. Or better ye,t dip the supers in wax and then paint them.

For under 10 bucks, You can not buy a commercial super made of wood for that price unassembled.

I agree, meaning a plastic body should be cheaper.

Offline rober

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Re: Plastic Hives: Boom!
« Reply #10 on: March 26, 2018, 09:52:48 am »
I have friend running a production shop so I can get a break on lumber. the lumber for a 10 frame deep cost me $4.00. I buy my primer from Sherwin Williams when they run their 40% off sales ( which they do pretty often ). I buy $50.00-$70.00 per gallon paints as mistints for $3.00 per gallon. if I was younger I would consider these hives, invest in solar power, & dig a well so I could afford to water my garden. I won't live long enough to reap the savings vs investment at this point.

Offline CBT

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Re: Plastic Hives: Boom!
« Reply #11 on: March 27, 2018, 03:19:46 pm »
Wow Rober, You got it going. :yes: :yes: