Hello All,
Murray wrote:
> If I could afford it at this time I would convert the lot over to the
> polystyrene and have a big fire of the wooden ones.

We are not fans of the polystyrene hive in the U.S. except for hobby
beekeepers on permanent locations. They simply do not work in migratory
beekeeping as they will not  stack. We use four hives to the skid and stack
four skids high.

Many sideliners have found out the hard way when they try to sell their
beehives that the migratory beekeeper will simply not pay money for
telescoping covers, inner covers and bottom boards. We do not buy what we do
not use.

If the sideliner had his equipment in polystyrene hives all he has which
*might* interest me is the 20 frames of bees. I probably would not be
interested if I had to come up with wooden shells to put his bees in.

If you put you hives on skids other than industry standards those most
likely will not be bought. When making skids *always* make to industry
standards (approx. 33 in. wide). Width is more important than depth as about
all larger trucks will accept 4 foot skids. . Bottom planks in the right
place so skids will stack on migratory tops   is very important. Put the
first bottom plank in the same position as a grocery skid and I would have
to empty the skid and knock off the plank and reinstall  so would fit a
migratory cover for stacking. Hauling skids of bees with telescoping slick
covers from coast to coast is a disaster waiting to happen when stacked four
skids high as many a new migratory beekeeper has found out.
I give friendly advice so you can get the most out of your operation when
the only possible buyer might be  the local commercial migratory beekeeper.
Bob