Need help understanding how you work a Warre Hive...

[KeyBeeper]

I know you harvest from the top and add boxes on the bottom.  To me it seems like it would be physically hard to add a box to the bottom.  Are you lifting 2 or more boxes off, setting them on the ground, dropping a new box on the floor and then putting the removed boxes on top?  Is there a more clever way to do it than I've described?

[Robo]

If your working by yourself,  what you described is the best way, unless you build yourself a lift.
http://ruche-warre.levillage.org/La%20visite%20de%20printemps.htm

Often I have my son just slide the empty under as I pick up the boxes.   I remove the cover and quilt box and set aside to reduce the weight for lifting,  just leaving the burlap floured cloth in place.

[KeyBeeper]

Thanks Robo.  I'll be building my first Warre Hives this winter, hoping to have 3 or 4 colonies in the spring.  I'll have no help, just can't see my wife getting that close to bee's.   

[luvin honey]

She might surprise you! My husband doesn't react that well to bee stings, but we got an Epi-Pen and he agreed to at least watch. Now he actually *wants* to get into the hives with me from time to time. They are too fascinating! I think the observation windows helped him bond, too