My update on becoming a beekeeper

[LindsayBrower1]

That looks great!
I have been toying with the idea of branding my boxes... I have a friend who creates them, just need to decide on design...

That would be neat! Post pics if you decide to do it!!

[efmesch]

This question deserves a thread of its' own, but it is in place here too:  Does anyone know of an individual or a firm that commercially makes branding irons for woodwork that could be used for branding hives?

[Jen]

An actual branded hive would be so cool!

[Beeracuda]

I brand all my boxes!

[riverbee]

lindsey love it!
okay did you burn this image into the hive? looks like it, what did you use?

my father and brothers are all welders and have offered to make a branding iron for me for my hives but have never taken them up on this......but.......bears can't read........

ps cool beeracuda!

[apisbees]

In most bee acts it states that the hives must have the identification of the owner on the hives or yard. The hobbits hives are identified by the fact that they are left in the one location most of the time on the beekeepers own land, so no further identification is required. Once a beekeeper gets to a point there hives are being kept in out yards away from the identifiable property of the beekeeper the hives of yard should be marked. Once hives are being places in areas that are not secure or guarded more predominant markings such as branding will make you equipment identifiable to other beekeepers and inspectors. there are beekeepers that brand every frame as well as all boxes covers and bottom boards.
Efmesh Mann Lake stokes / gets branding head casts made for beekeepers.http://www.mannlakeltd.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=mannlake&Screen=SRCH&sType=1&Search=branding#!HD-030/0/

[CpnObvious]

I've had a branding iron since a very early age to mark the woodworking projects I've made.  It's torch-heated.  I believe I only paid about $30 for at the time.  It's my first initial, last name.  I'll eventually upgrade to something a bit fancier, but I will be using that to mark my equipment at some point.  It's a great idea.  I certainly recommend shopping around, though. This place offers a variety of sizes and a great assortment of price ranges:

http://www.brandnew.net/estore/shopdisplaycategories.asp?id=3&cat=Custom+Irons&gclid=CLHxrouj1L4CFXTl7AoddEQA1w
 

[Jen]

If I get a brand, it will more than likely have something to do with Rock n Roll. Cause My Bees Rock!

[riverbee]

and you roll jen.........

i have no need to mark my hives as they are stationary and behind a 'fortress'.  i don't move my hives around, i have occasionally to local apple orchards, but this has been a great deal of work and effort on my part, not to mention the work on e fencing because of the bears.  i quit doing it.  also i didn't worry too much about my hives being stolen then, i was more concerned about bears....but more concerned about the local juvenile delinquents blowing holes in the hives.  for some reason the jd's blow holes in the windows of the outbuildings and shoot up or take out the mailbox on a frequent basis, and many other nefarious activities but leave my hives alone.