Re: Stable Observation Hive?

[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Tim Arheit) wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> On 30 Oct 2003 07:45:47 -0800, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Dave) wrote:
> >[...]
> >
> [...]
> If you are normally viewing the hive though the window (and thereby
> only seeing one side of one of the frames)  why not do a 3 wide
> observation hive with no glass in between individual frames?
 
I am considering a location on the edge of a deck that would be quite
accessible -- so the ability to open the "book" seems desirable --
unless this would result in aggressive bees on the deck! Not quite
sure. In the winter I might be able to remove the inner windows to
allow them to group for warmth, as long as the windows don't get stuck
on!
 
> > [...] wood warpage [...]
> >
> Shouldn't be a problem.  Use screws instead of nails, a good exterior
> wood glue and prime and paint the outside well.  Also varnish the
> inside.  This will keep moisture from entering one side of the wood
> and causing it to warp.  I know many books advise against finishing
> the inside of a hive, often because the wood supposedly absorbs
> moisture helping the bees control it in the hive.  While it may absorb
> some, the bees produce many, many times the moisture the wood can
> absorb and in the end does no good.  Once the wood is saturated, then
> where does the moisture go?  Venting the moisture works much better.
 
This brings up the venting issue. As does...

> >5. You did not modify the frames so the top rail and upper third of
> >each frame touch the glass? Does this accumulate debris?
> 
> A little bit, but they seal it in with wax/propolis so it really isn't
> a problem.
 
I misspoke about the top rail and have obviously misunderstood your
dimensions. You spaced your glass one beespace away from the top rail,
right? That means they will close up the top third of the side rail. I
was thinking of having that side rail touch the glass and was
wondering how that could work since they would close up the top rail
-- unless the top rail was cut back. Now I see.
 
I also wonder whether the entire top and entire bottom of each section
should be made ventable? Perhaps screened areas that can be opened?
 
> >
> >7. How did you populate your hive?
> 
> I populated it with a swarm.   I first captured/shook the swarm into a
> cardboard box (from a swarm call I got several miles from my home).
> When I got the swarm home, I laid the observation hive down on it's
> side with the one side open, and shook the bees from the box into the
> hive.   As they spread out enough on the foundation I brushed the
> edges around the door and closed it.  Then I set the hive upright and
> left it outside untill the bees all found the entrance.  I did this
> outside the house right where the tube exits the house so any
> stragglers might find their way in once the hive was mounted inside.
> 

Very good!

Thanks!
Dave