Hello All,
question by direct email:

Not sure what you mean by the word formula?

I should have said combination of bees and frames I suppose or rules you
follow when setting up an OB hive.

 If you make up the OB hive with to many older bees all they want to do is
run on the glass trying to get out. If you make up the OB hive with all
nurse bees they cover only the brood and the queen is hard to see. You
always need a drone or two but I have made up an OB hive without a single
drone.
When making up an OB hive you can toss in a drone from any hive without a
problem (unless the hive is in the process of tossing out the drones).

Also consider the OB hive like you were setting up a tropical fish tank
(example) and carefully choose the frames . Choose frames which easily show
the parts of the hive you want to display. Not frames which should be
culled!

I expect a few beekeepers hearing the above for the first time will realize
exactly how critical other beekeepers are of other beekeepers OB hives at
state fairs and perhaps why their OB hive always got the last place ribbon!

Sincerely,
Bob Harrison

Ps. Always make the OB hive up at least a day before the event to give the
bees a chance to resume normal activity is a rule I use and not an hour
before the display and *try* to keep the glass as clean as possible during
the installation of the frames. Wash the glass & OB hive before setting up!.

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