> Please advise -- What tricks have aging or physically deteroriating
> beekeepers developed for lifting or carrying or moving or changing bee
> hive parts?  Like designs for retirement bee hives?

Hello Elizabeth -

Years ago (March 1991) I read an article in Bee Culture about a beekeeper in
California that modified a Langstroth hive as an experiment.  He ended up
joining two deep hive bodies by cutting off one side of each and attaching
so he ended up with one large brood chamber that held 20 frames.

I made a hive from scratch just like this several years ago and it has
become my favorite.  It's the easiest hive to manage as there is no lifting
or switching hive bodies and it's all on one level.  I don't know why but
this hive is always the quickest hive to build up in the spring and has
always been one of the strongest of the hives.  You super it just as you
would a standard hive.  You could use mediums or shallows to make it easier
in the lifting department.

If you or a friend knows basic woodworking skills, I would encourage you to
give it a try.  You can see a photo of mine at:
http://www.birkey.com/blb/condo.html

I'd be happy to discuss it further with you if you want.

Regards,

Barry

--
Barry Birkey
West Chicago, Illinois
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http://www.birkey.com