Observation Hive plans

[Tinker Belle]

I am a huge fan of observation hives, but prefer that they are fully functional rather than being an interrupt to a normal hive.  So I've been researching designs, and then modified plans to make a very simple 8 frame hive.  It is 2 frames deep, with the bottom pair being deeps, for easy installation of the brood, and 3 pairs of mediums above.  Both sides open, a debris drawer cleans out what falls through the bottom screen without taking the hive outdoors, and bees enter and exit through a 1" clear plastic tube.  My signature has a link to the plans, which do not require a router, table saw or other special woodworking equipment.  I have added a 1 1/4" hole center top, currently plugged, but which will open into a 2-frame honey super that can be added & removed without taking the whole hive outdoors.  I will update the plans with details on that project as it is completed.

[yockey5]

I like this one. I may attempt to make one, thanks.

[Country Heart]

Looks nice.   

[Robo]

Problem with pairing the frames is that the queen will spend 90+% of the time in between frames and lay as much brood as she can in there.  Which in turn doesn't leave much to observe. 

[specialkayme]

Bingo Robo. That's why I don't like double wide OHs, it kinda defeats the purpose of having an OH.

I wasn't aware that a router and table saw were "fancy stuff." Granted they do cost some cash, but at $60 or so for a cheap router I think you get your moneys worth out of it. If planned out, your router can replace most other tools that I use, including a table saw. It just takes about five times longer to complete my cuts.

I must say that I like your feeder design though.