> From: David Kesler <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Observation hive ... to cover or not to cover? Hi All To reply to David's post about an observation hive: In the book, Honeybees and Wax, and Experimental Natural History, by Proffessor HR Hepburn, who heads bee research at my University (also Rhodes University) in South Africa, he mentions that bees are disinclined to draw wax in open light and that they require dim too dark conditions to satisfactorily prodce wax. Hence if you have drawn frames it shold make little difference, buut undrawn frames may be a problem? Also you ruun the risk of not being able to see bees hanging in festoons making wax. This is really fun to watch in my opinion. > > Are there any recommendations to cover an observation hive (three frames high) > when it is not being observed? So, yes I would give them periods of reduced light? > > This hive is inside and lit from above with fluorescent lights. Also: Dave are you any connection to the Rhodes College that has an exchange program with Rhodes University SA? > David Kesler > [log in to unmask] > http://kesler.biology.rhodes.edu Keep well Garth --- Garth Cambray Kamdini Apiaries 15 Park Road Apis melifera capensis Grahamstown 800ml annual precipitation 6139 Eastern Cape South Africa Phone 27-0461-311663 3rd year Biochemistry/Microbiology Rhodes University In general, generalisations are bad. Interests: Flii's and Bees.