I just headed up a team that designed and built an observation hive for the
Riverbanks Zoo here in Columbia, SC.  We made it in the shape of a V with 4
deep frames on either side of the V with a shallow super on top of the V.
 The bees are very observable.  We have a outer plexi glass "shield" or
cover around the observation hive with a 45 degree exit tube going to the
outside of the barn that the hive is in.
 
The bees seem very happy in the observation hive.  The only comment that I
have is that next time I would have the sides or V vertex meet so the bees &
queen can cross over easier.  We have 4 tubes connecting the V sides with
the entrance at the bottom of the V.  Currently we placed pennies between
the super and the top cover for venting...seems to be working fine.
 
 Sue White at Riverbanks Zoo is the contact  here in Columbia, SC.  She can
send you some pictures that we made of the observation hive.
 
Give me a call if you have any other questions.
803-939-7409 (WK)
803-957-8897 (HM)
 
Dave MacFawn
 
 
 
 ----------
>From: Ray Lackey
>To: Multiple recipients of list BEE-L
>Subject: Observation hives - BIG
>Date: Monday, August 21, 1995 8:54AM
>
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>Date:         Mon, 21 Aug 1995 08:54:02 -0400
>Reply-To:     Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
>Sender:       Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
>From:         Ray Lackey <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject:      Observation hives - BIG
>To:           Multiple recipients of list BEE-L <[log in to unmask]>
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ---
>I have been maintaining an observation hive for the local town's nature
>center.  It has been a very popular exhibit.  The director claims that
>it has been his _best_ exhibit.  He asked me how to make it visible for
>much larger audiences.  I remember reading about, and I think seeing a
>picture of, a multi-sided (5?) observation hive built in a gazebo in
>?Alaska? some time ago. (?ABJ?)  I dug through a stack of back issues
>but didn't find anything.  Does anyone out there have additional info
>on it or similar large observation hives?  Does someone know where I
>might have seen a short notice on this hive so I can track it down?
>
>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>+    Raymond J. Lackey, EAS Master Beekeeper, VP LIBA      +
>+    Twelve years exper with 25 colonies on Long Island, NY+
>+    INTERNET: [log in to unmask]                       +
>+    Mail: 1260 Walnut Avenue, Bohemia NY 11617-2176       +
>+    Home Phone: 516-567-1936  FAX: 516-262-8053           +
>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> .
>