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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
Mike Garvey <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 25 Jul 2019 19:29:47 -0400
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> Wouldn't it still matter though?

>If I'm comparing the weight loss of two hives over winter, and both hives start with their weight evenly distributed in the center of the bottom box.....

What you say about the moving cluster and the resulting inaccuracies over winter is accurate, though it is likely more precise to think about where the honey is/was than where the cluster is.  If you want to make an accurate measurement under these assumptions, you either need to weigh the entire hive or perhaps use the lift technique first on the front and then on the back, adding the results.

Another approach I have used is to lift the entire hive, using a step ladder as a fulcrum (choosing the step that makes everything work, height wise) and a long 2x4 as the lever, lifting with the shoulder.  You have to strap the hive; between the strap and the lever you use something like a 600 lb Klau hanging scale.  It is not easy to do by yourself since you are usually too far away from the scale to read it and depending on your hive stand you may need some gentle nudging to get everything back where it belongs as you lower the hive back into position. 

> the repeatable pivot point is immaterial...
Maybe it is a question of the number of variables that you want to control; movement of the cluster is a variable you can't control, but do you want to add the imprecision of the front pivot point in addition?

 

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