3 Frame Observation Hive Plans

[Two Bees]

I am looking to build the above OH from the plans on BeeSource.  But I have a really dumb question (ok, two dumb questions) about the construction of this OH:

1.  What are the 3/4 inch holes in the sides?  I assume they for ventilation but the plans don't mention covering them with #8 hardware cloth.

2.  If the side glass is flush against the sides of the top bars of the frame, how do the bees move from one frame to another in a three-frame hive?

Thanks!

[Ross]

space your glass 1.5-1.75 inches apart.

[Two Bees]

Thanks, Ross!

Are the 3/4 in holes in the sides for ventilation?

[Greg Peck]

The holes in the sides are for ventilation. they need to be covered with hardware cloth.

The space between the glass is important. 1 3/4 seems to work well I only get a little bit of comb built on the glass. read M Bushes page on OB hives http://www.bushfarms.com/beesobservationhives.htm. I reworked the Bee Source plans using info from MB's site and some ideas I thought would make it easier to work the hive when needed. Like instead of glass that slides down into a grove I made it so that I could remove some screws and just take the glass out, no sliding which I thought would be a pain once the bees "glued" it up. Any way I am sure the Bee Source plan will be ok just dont make it to wide.

[Two Bees]

Thanks, Greg!

[michael-bees]

I have an OB and used #8 screen on the vent holes, the bees get through it. I then cut a small round window screen piece and pushed it in the vent hole tight to the #8 screen and end of problem. My bees are on small cell so maybe they are just small enough to fit through the screen.

[Bee-Bop]

I have an OB and used #8 screen on the vent holes, the bees get through it. I then cut a small round window screen piece and pushed it in the vent hole tight to the #8 screen and end of problem. My bees are on small cell so maybe they are just small enough to fit through the screen.

That's amazeing, I have small cell {Mann-Lake 120} I use # 8 and even some #7 wire cloth my bees can't get thru it.

Old carpenters saying " Measure once cut twice, Measure twice cut once "

Remember to take everything you read on these inter-net boards with a        " grain or two of salt " [ another old saying ]

Bee-Bop

[michael-bees]

Just when you think you have seen it all.  Care to see a picture of the bees getting through the screen?