Observation Hive Idea

[tbonekel]

I'm thinking about maybe doing some bee talks and would like to build an observation hive. If I build a box that is big enough for two frames, can I just put the best "example" frames with bees in this box prior to my talk, then move them back after the talk? I want to build the box with windows on both sides. I would have a vent on the top. I would try not to take the queen even though it's good to show what she looks like. I would think that the bees would be in this box for no more than 24-36 hours. I would try to make sure that they had all of the elements in order for a good talk.  Is most ob hives used as very temporary placement of frames?

[Jen]

Tbone! You are on it this season! Very Cool! 

[LazyBkpr]

Yes.     When i go to see the kids a tthe libraries or schools, that is what I do..   Slip the frames in and close it up. The reaction you get when you slide the board out and they see all those bees is wonderful.  Sometimes I make sure there is a marked queen that is easy to find, if I know I will not be gone more than a couple hours..  If it will be an all day thing I dont take the queen, OR, when i return I put a nuc on the top and newspaper combine them..   it may not be necessary, but if the queen is marked, its because she is VSH, Hygienic, survivor etc, and I dont want to lose her.

[tbonekel]

I didn't think about sliding out a board. That's a great idea. The big reveal!

[LazyBkpr]

The board on each side is just a piece of luan in a groove, it keeps the hive dark and the bees comfortable until they need to be viewable.