Totally enclosed hive

[slimecoat]

I am wondering if it is possible to maintain a totally enclosed hive. Instead of letting the bees run free in the field Ill just keep them enclosed and feed them artificially. The exit to the hive would be a pvc pipe that empties into a screen box. The feeder will be located in the screen box. Can you think of any potential problems? Help and ideas are appreciated.
Thanks

[asleitch]

Problems? You'll get diease if they can't take a cleansing flight. No matter if you think you are feeding them properly - its no guarentee they will get all the nutrients etc they need from your food supply - trace minerals - that sort of thing. What happens when they try and swarm - they'll get pretty ropey if you don't do something.

How will they know where to carry to the dead bees to? And other unwanted hive products?

I think they would succomb to disease pretty quickly.

Adam

[Michael Bush]

How will they get fresh pollen?  They will be totally stressed, but if you feed them FRESH pollen, my prediction is they will survive about three months or so.