Observation Hive Construction

[Ross]

I am gradually building the webpages for my observation hive and how to build it.  The first two chapters are posted.
http://www.myoldtools.com/OBhive/OBhive.html

[Jerrymac]

Isn't there too much space between the tops and bottoms of the frames? The bees might start building comb in that area.

The exit hose appears to be kinked. Can they get out?

Other wise it's a nice looking hive.

[Ross]

Yes, I missed my dimensions on the first one, but corrected it in the plan.  The bees will just fill it in most likely, and since I don't plan to work it often, it shouldn't matter.  I changed the hose for a flex hose.  Home Depot has some stuff called 'pool vacumn hose' that comes in 1 1/2".  The cat is disappointed.  He liked watching the bees in the hose.

[Michael Bush]

I've decided 1 5/8" is the minimum between the glass (unless you're putting small cell bees in with foundationless frames in which case 1 1/2" is correct) and 1 3/4" is the maximum between the glass.

I bought a "sump pump kit" that had flex hose and clamps enough for serveral observation hives.

From my observation the bees in a hive as small as an observation hive will fill the gap between the frames no matter what the spacing is, but 1/4" to 3/8" would be the appropriate range to slow them down.

[Ross]

Thanks Michael,  I based my target measurements on your original recommendations.

[Ocean]

this is so cool i would love to do something like this for next season..
thanx for the info

[Ross]

Chapter 3 of the observation hive build has been added to the website.