In a message dated 97-11-24 00:47:38 EST, [log in to unmask] (Alden P.
Marshall) writes:
 
<< Can someone provide me with a suppliers name and address that would be
 able to provide a bee skep suitable for hiving bees. Am I correct in
 assuming that this type of hive requires some type of protection from the
 elements?
 THANKS >>
 
   You need to first check with your state bee inspector to see if these are
legal in your state. In most states it is not allowed to keep bees in any
hive that does not have moveable frames. This is so the state inspector can
check the brood for disease. If you are doing it for educational purposes
(like a natural history museum or something similar, the state may have a
special permit.
 
   Yes you would need some kind of roof or shelter overhead. And it would be
difficult to winter over the bees in a skep. They give off a lot of moisture
and the straw would get soaked from the inside, and lose its insulation
value.
 
    I don't know of any US manufacturer; there'd be little demand for them. I
have seen small ornamental skeps for sale in gift shops. Maybe one of the
European readers will give you a name. They are not hard to make, if you have
a source of straw, broom straw, or similar long-stemed grass.
 
[log in to unmask]     Dave Green  Hemingway, SC  USA
The Pollination Scene:  http://users.aol.com/pollinator/polpage1.html
 
Jan's Sweetness and Light Shop    (Varietal Honeys and Beeswax Candles)
http://users.aol.com/SweetnessL/sweetlit.htm