> This winter I'm working on a couple of projects. My brother would like to
> keep a hive or two down in Indiana, but he has a degenerative back
> condition and he really shouldn't even lift a full shallow so I'm working
> on some plans.
Why not a "Drapers Bee Supply" (three deep frame) observation hive?
We set similar units to those in farmers markets and the bees do fine all
summer. You
could set up and a friend could carry in at his house > A hole to the
outside is all that is needed. In the largest apple producer in the state
market inside his sales area the entrance to the hive is within 10 feet of
the sidewalk.
I wanted to relocate the entrance but the owner said had been that way for
over thirty years without a problem.
We have had to feed in fall. We do not overwinter these as these places are
seasonal but many people do.
just a thought.
Most agree its cheaper (dollar figure) to produce a very small amount of
honey if you can be a quality local honey.
An observation hive is like a fish aquarium and very interesting to observe.
I have had many set up at one time.
bob
Glenn Davis and I have made a similar unit using a lazy Susan swivel from
Westlake but I feel the Drapers "new" unit (with feeder, assembled, finished
& furniture grade) ) is worth the money
if you lack carpentry tools and skills.
Ours have withstood years (many years) of kids bus tours handling.
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