Lang to Long

[Riggs]

I am nearing completion of my first long hive, it is big enough to hold 40 frames if needed, but I have a follower board to limit space to only what is needed. I have a few questions.

1. Is there a time of year that would be better to move the bees from one of my Langs, or can I do it now.
2. I am planning on setting the long up within a few feet of where the original Lang is/was. What do I need to do so the bees will orient to their new home?
3. Anything else I need to consider?

Any input would be appreciated.

[Joe D]

Is your long hive a TBH or a long hive using lang frames or a TBH with angled side frames.  Need more info.



Joe

[Riggs]

It will hold up to 40 deep frames if needed. Planning to take the frames straight out of the lang and put them into the long.

[Joe D]

I would think that you could do the switch most anytime.  Will it be where you can add a super if needed, if you have an extractor then you could keep the amount of frames needed down.  One thing about a long hive and the follower board ( I have a TBH) is my follower board fits pretty good but a few bees and SHB's will get on the back side.  Good luck with your project.  There's probably other things I haven't thought of also.



Joe

[Sparky]

I would think that you could do the switch most anytime.  Will it be where you can add a super if needed, if you have an extractor then you could keep the amount of frames needed down.  One thing about a long hive and the follower board ( I have a TBH) is my follower board fits pretty good but a few bees and SHB's will get on the back side.  Good luck with your project.  There's probably other things I haven't thought of also.



Joe

I think the idea is to not need to put supers on it, for that defeats the purpose of going long.

[T Beek]

I've used a LONG Hive w/ a mix of Langs for several years now.  Its the best of both worlds IMO.  I like them both and only use mediums (supers/frames).  My current Long Hive colony (a 2011-12 winter survivor) has swarmed twice this season, both were caught and all three are booming right along with my other hives.

For me, the best part of having both types is the flexibility it offers to the beekeeper.

I use follower boards as well, with a 1/4 " hole drilled into them which can be blocked, to place feed on the other side.  Must make them tight fitting to prevent bees from entering but you always loose a few. 

Have fun with your LONG Hive, they can be a joy to work, just different.

[Riggs]

I plan to use deeps mainly so I can start switching my standard langs over to meds. I have access to an extractor, and do not plan to super the long hive. Seems like that kind of defeats my purpose. I have decided to shorten it to only hold 30 frames,

Thanks for the input.