The Observation Hive

[LazyBkpr]

  This is my take on an OB Hive..

   Three frames per box, and I have one box left to make for a total of seven available for 21 frames..
   The frame is designed with a raised rear panel that I can attach the clips and latches from one of the front windows of the house directly to this frame. I can set the frame into place, pivot it into the latches, and then snap the lock down inside to pull it firmly against the seal.
   From there, I can install the bees, and add boxes just like I would a normal hive.  The rear of these boxes are actually OPEN to slide against the glass. (Which I still have to go get cut.)
   I have a piece of 1/4 Luan cut to the same size as the screen from the window that I can simply slide into the screen slot to block the light most of the time.







   I am not sure what will happen with the glass side of these boxes.. I am fairly certain the bees will propolis the wood to the glass, but having them OUTSIDE and removable means I can clean the glass each time I manage them.. and if I get tired of managing them I can always drop them directly into a standard hive OR.. just leave the piece of Luan in the window   
    Also not sure how much the warmth from the window will affect them. With the Luan in place it should limit the heat transfer somewhat..
   I will be having glass installed this week, then I can mount it in the window. After that, just wait on a split or cut out to fill it.

   I do look forward to being able to pop the luan in the morning and have a seat with my coffee to see how well they are progressing.

   If you see an issue or problem, please let me know. It will be easier to fix now than after the bees are installed!
   Scott

[Jen]

Good Grief! You are soo ambitious!

[Perry]

Good Grief! You are soo ambitious!

I agree Scott, bottle a little of that up for me will ya, and send it collect if you want! 

[iddee]

I'm not sure, but I THINK I see several potential problems. My thoughts are you should come down and install it in my house first, so I can study it a bit closer for problems. It shouldn't take me more than a few years to get the bugs worked out.....................

[Bamabww]

Wow, that's a good idea. Would you consider moving to north Alabama and join the Tennessee Valley Beekeeper Association?  We need someone with your ideas.

[Jen]

Well Scott! By golly I think that was a compliment from Iddee! Take it and run buddy 

[apisbees]

It will work , maybe a little to well an observation hive keeps itself regulated by the population and not tending to issue many swarms because the queen is limited in the space for eggs which limits the rate the population expands. by providing so much extra space the hive will get into a swarm situation sooner and more often through out the spring and summer. With only 1 out of 6 comb sides visible the queen will not be in a position to see her at all times and queen cells can be hidden from your view.
Here is a link to what was claimed to be the Largest Observation hive in the world. their are 3 observation a 12 deep frame in front a 36 frame in the center and i can't tell what the back one is. this operation was run by Rose and Ernie Fuhr be for Ernie's death a few years ago. who Perry is related through by marriage.
http://photos1.blogger.com/img/204/5901/640/FtNelsontoChetwynd%20Last%20day%20on%20Alcan%20044.jpg
http://www.geotourismcanada.com/documents/522.aspx

Here is a link to anther observation hive i came across while looking for the link to the one above. It looks quit impressive although not practical from a management standpoint.
Don't get any ideas Lazy. 
http://www.honeybeesuite.com/an-immense-observation-hive/comment-page-1/
 

[efmesch]

Lazy--for looks, it's great, but for looking, I think you're going to miss all the "real action". 
An observation hive is an artificial situation that forces the bees to carry on with their lives exposed to our viewing.  If you have three frames next to each other, all the interesting activities will most likely be hidden from you view (at least most of the time).  If you build it with a one-frame width,  it's harder on the bees, but then you can see everything that goes on inside.

I just took a closer look at the construction---could be that I misread the picture.  Is it one frame wide above the bottom triplet? If so, it's  not as limited as I thought---but still not ideal for full observation. 

The queen still might choose to spend her time shielded down below.
One partial solution is to have a wooden panel that fits over both walls and keeps it dark inside when they are not being observed.  A cover arrangement helps with insulation (prevents heating up in the sunlight or getting too cool at night) and makes the queen more willing to roam the full expanse of the hive.

[LazyBkpr]

Ef;
    I understand that much will not be able to be seen because of the three frame width. I went for the three frame width to make the colony more sustainable and manageable. Seeing the queen often is not my greatest priority. I have hope of seeing her once in a while, but plan more on watching them build comb and fill that comb with honey.
   I will rotate in new frames when the time comes to remove brood to keep them from swarming, and those new frames will go on the glass side so we can watch as they fill them with natural comb.
   The 1/4 Luan panel that replaces the screen will normally be in place to "close up" the hive, and it will only be opened to observe.
   I have given up some ability to "see" as much in an effort to provide an environment that the bees can sustain and survive, especially through a winter. The hive is tall and narrow, so I am hoping they will be capable of moving up and staying in contact with their reserves, rather than stove piping as most of my hives did last winter.

   Iddee.. if I thought your window was the same dimensions as mine I might just give it to you for the chance to "download" knowledge from you in person.

   Apis.. thanks for the input.. I will have to keep a close eye on the growth situation. I am hoping, with the removable boxes that it will be easier to manage. If it does swarm.. well, that in itself will be a viewing experience.. I am almost inclined to let them swarm so I can watch the proceedings. I can move a frame with queen cells on it to the glass side so I can watch the new queen emerge..   I have also considered that I can install my Cell frame in this hive and quite literally watch them build the queen cells on it. I dont have to pull the frame to KNOW the moment those cells are capped etc...

   My brain is in overdrive with the possibilities here...   I understand the limitations, and accept them in order to gain the benefits..  Modifications may be very necessary to make it work.

   I considered a hive like the glass one hanging from the ceiling.. I have a large fish tank, and thought originally of making top bars for it..   But considerations on cleaning and maintenance inside the house made me reconsider. My wife REALLY does not want bees in the house. It is often that one manages to get in, usually I come in from inspection with a couple hitch hiking.. at which point I have to "catch" them and put them out..  Her acceptance of my interest means I need to go out of my way to keep her happy.
   
   Thanks for the comments, and thanks for thinking about issues. The more input I get the easier it will be to deal with the problems as they pop up.

[efmesch]

I said it to Jen yesterday, I'll say it to you today and undoubtedly will say it again in the future (not always in the exact same words).  Beekeeping is a lifetime of learning. Enjoy it.

[Jen]

Good Day Ef    I think I get a pretty good grip on what beekeeping is all about... and then the next spring comes along and blows my education right out of the water!    But it doesn't discourage me and I scratch my head a lot, and it really helps to have mentor such as yourself to encourage us in such a kind matter. Thank You!

[efmesch]

..... it doesn't discourage me and I scratch my head a lot, and it really helps

Thanks for explaining your position in the avatar picture. 

[LazyBkpr]

oooohhh... I wondered what she was doing!