Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Hive Stand

***Continually Updated***
- - -

The first stand came with Mary & Myrina.  It was the one used by the Farmer I bought the hives from.  A rickety thing of unknown age but definitely not new.  It was 6 feet long and made of scrap 1x6's & 2x4's.  It's held together by nails only.  I think it may have been treated but cannot be sure.  It had cross rails for 3 hives close together.  I used it for only 2.  It merely rested on 2 cinder blocks and held the hives 8 inches off the ground


The way it sat on the block caused lots of debris to pile up under a Screened Bottom Board.  Which attracted plenty of ants


It kept the hives off the ground & above the snow.  It was hard to balance on just 2 blocks.  I couldn't quite get a forward lean for the hives.  It did its job but high winds would concern me.  I used it from 2008 to early 2010.
- - -

In Spring of 2010 I bought a package of bees.  This was the impetus to make a new stand & put it in a Sunnier spot.  The new stand would be 8 feet long.  I could fit 4 hives on it max but only have used it for 3.  I used treated 4x4's, 2x6's, & 2x4's to make it.  It held the hives 22 inches of the ground.  Less bending for me & the lawn mower could fit beneath it.  It has 6 legs resting on 12 inch square paving stones.


It has a slight lean forward.  This allows any rain or moisture to flow out the front and not pool inside.  Instead of a furring strip rail it has 2x4's to support the hive sides.  Which are great for the tie-down straps too.  It would have been best to either angle to legs out or footer them in.  The weight, though, is enough to keep this setup from moving.  Unless the Bear shows up, but then all bets are off.  It's held together by 4inch lags & decking screws.  It also has a coat of Cabot stain to ward off the weather.  This stand should last a long time.
- - -

Another decent hive stand is the ubiquitous tree stump.  Easy to find or make.  They can be any size.  If they're hardwood they will last a good long time.  Unfortunately they don't work with Screened Bottom Boards.  The solid surface counters the pass-through benefits of the screen.  Also bugs are a problem here too.  They can too easily walk up the stump and into the hive.


Mary used this stand after she almost died during the Winter of 2009 - 2010.  It was an impromptu set up that gave her more Sunlight.  Plus  I could quickly check on her.  It was never meant as a permanent location.
- - -

There are other stand types as well.  In a pinch I once used a bail of straw for a swarm trap nuc.  It lasted all summer but fell apart when it took the nuc away.  I didn't like it much.  The cockroaches loved it.  The nuc became like a penthouse for the roaches above the straw bail.  I won't be doing that again. 


Not such a great Idea.  I wont even use the bails as a wind barrier for the hives in Winter I disliked it so much.
- - -

In March of 2011 I started to put hives out front by the culvert near the street.  There is a slope there going down to the creek.  The plan is to move all the hives to this spot including the older hives.  So new permanent stands must be made.

These stands will be made out of 2x4's and have footers 15 inches into the ground.  They will support the hives another 15 inches off the ground on the up slope side.  They are 4.5 feet long and can hold 2 full sized hives.  With enough work room to place the boxes in between the hives when taking things apart.  The stands will be deck stained and have cypress mulch laid on the ground beneath the hives and in the work area.  All stands will be level from side to side.  With the slightest lean forward.  All stands will face due East.

The first stand on the culvert slope
Room for maybe 6 stands
I think the rest of the stands will be made to accommodate more than 2 hives.  I want to have a Nuc for each full sized hive and additional Nucs for selling.  I may need to place the Nucs along the tree line on separate stands.  Once i figure it out I'll update this post.

* ____________________________________________________________*

Monday, May 5, 2008

MARY'S CHRONICLE 2008

(Link to 2009 Chronicle)
☼ ☼ ☼

September 30, 2008
  • Stop feeding 1:1 syrup & pollen patties
  • Much Fall Pollen

September 14, 2008
  • No drawn frames in Medium Super
  • Feed 1:1 syrup daily & 1 Megabee pollen patty once a week

August 31, 2008
  • Requeen, Italian, Rossman marked red (success never confirmed)
  • Feed 1:1 syrup & 1 Megabee pollen patties (1/wk)
  • Weak brood, no eggs
  • Could not locate old queen









    MYRINA'S CHRONICLE 2011

    June 1, 2011
    (post link)
    SBB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1   , IC, TC
    • Add 10 frame Medium honey super (MHS2), foundationless undrawn
    • Add Imirie Shim between Honey Supers (IS)

    May 29, 2011
    SBB, SR, DHB1, MHS1, DHB2, IC, TC
    • MHS1 mostly drawn out
    • Return MHS1 to top of hive

    May 20, 2011
    SBB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IS, IC, TC
    • Place MHS1 in between DHB1 & DHB2
    • Remove Imirie Shim (IS)

    May 11, 2011
    (post link)
    SBB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IS, IC, TC
    DHB1 = 10 frame, 3 PC & 7 CW
                                  5 brood frames
    DHB2 = 10 frame, 5 PC & 5 CW
                                  6 brood frames
    MHS1 = 10 frame, 7 foundationless, 3 CW
    Queen Spotted = yes, new & unmarked
    Brood Present = yes
    Brood Pattern = spotty
    Queen Cells = 18 Swarm cells & 1 Supersedure cell
    Drone Cells = yes
    Honey Bound = almost
    Population = good
    Condensation = no
    Pests = no
    •  *SWARMED*
    • Removed all swarm cells both hatched & sealed
    • Marked new Queen
    • Left single Supersedure cell
    • No laying in preparation of swarming
    • Honey comb remains undrawn

    May 9, 2011
    r-SBB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IS, IC, TC
    •  Remove Entrance Reducer

    May 1, 2011
    r-SBB(c), SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IS, IC, TC
    • Open bottom of SBB

    April 27, 2011
    (post link)
    r-SBB(c), SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, HTF, VB, TC
    • Remove HTF
    • Add IC
    • Add Imirie Shim (IS)
    • Remove VB

    April 20, 2011
    r-SBB(c), SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, HTF, VB, TC
    • Honey frames remain undrawn
    • Remove 3 undrawn foundationless frames from MHS1
    • Add 3 undrawn CW frames
    • Spray frames w/ 1:1 syrup

    April 19, 2011
    r-SBB(c), SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, HTF, VB, TC
    • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV & Thyme oil

    April 16, 2011
    (post link)
    r-SBB(c), SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IC, VB, TC
    • Remove IC
    • Add HTF
    • Add 1 gal. 1:1 syrup w/ ACV & Thyme oil

    April 10, 2011
    (post link)
    r-SBB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IC, VB, TC
    Queen Spotted = yes (new unmarked)
    Brood Present = yes
    Brood Pattern = solid (completely)
    Drone Cells = yes (many)
    Population = high
    Condensation = no
    Pest = none
    • New unmarked Queen, frame #5 DHB2
    • Marked New Queen with White paint
    • Remove 4 frame of eggs from DHB2
    • Add 4 empty drawn frames to DHB2, from Duchess CW
    • Created Nuc #2

    April 3, 2011
    (post link)
    r-SBB(c), DHB1, DHB2, IC, VB, TC
    Pest = mold & mildew
    • Add Slatted Rack (SR)
    • Add 1 Medium Honey Super (MHS1) - Undrawn Foundationless
    • Clean SBB Tray

    March 12, 2011
    (post link)
    r-SBB(c), DHB1, DHB2, HTF, VB, TC
    DHB1 = 10 frames, CW
                                     Brood frames = 6/10
    DHB2 = 10 frames, Plasticell
                                     Brood frames = 0/10
    Queen Spotted = didn't look
    Brood Present = yes
    Brood Pattern = solid
    Drone Cells = yes
    Population = moderate
    Condensation = no
    Pest = mold & mildew
    • Remove Luan SBB Tray
    • Add Corrugated Plastic SBB Tray
    • Replace DHB2 w/ new DHB
    • Remove HTF
    • Add IC

    March 5, 2011
    (post link) (post link)
    r-SBB(c), DHB2, DHB1, HTF, VB, VB, TC
    Condensation = no
    Pest = mold & mildew
    • Reversed Brood Boxes
    • Remove 3-hole VB
    • Weeping Pine Knots on DHB2

    February 27, 2011
    (post link)
    r-SBB(c), DHB2, DHB1, HTF, VB, TC
    Condensation = yes
    Pest = mold & mildew
    • Condensation Continues on TC
    • Add 9-hole VB

    February 23, 2011
    (post link)
    r-SBB(c), DHB2, DHB1, HTF, VB, TC
    Condensation = yes
    • Dripping Condensation on TC

    February 18, 11
    (post link)
    r-SBB(c), DHB2, DHB1, IC, VB, T-cover
    DHB1 = 10 frames, CW foundation (4old/6new)
    Brood Frames = 3/10
    DHB2 = 10 frames, PC foundation 
    Brood Frames = 0/10
    Queen Spotted = no
    Brood Present = yes
    Brood Pattern = solid
    Drone Cells = no
    Population = moderate
    Condensation = minor
    Current Pests = mildew in DHB2 & SBB
    • Pollen & Nectar begin 2/17/11
    • Remove old Pollen patty
    • Remove IC
    • Add HTF
    • Add 1 gal. 1:1 tea/syrup (poplar, maple, basswood, thyme, ACV)

    MARY'S CHONICLE

    May 20, 2011
    BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2(bt), MHS1, IC, TC
    • Eggs on 3 frames in MHS1
    • Remove and chill egg frames
    • Add modified Queen Excluder (QE)
    • Return chilled frames
    • Add Imirie Shim (IS)

    May 16, 2011
    BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2(bt), MHS1, IC, TC
    DHB1 = 10 frame, 8 PC & 2 CW
                                  4 brood frames
    DHB2 = 10 frame, 8 PC, 1 CW & 1 Foundationless
                                  8 brood frames
    MHS1 =10 frame, 7 Foundationless & 3 PC
    Queen Spotted = yes, frame 7 - DHB2
    Brood Present = yes
    Brood Pattern = spotty
    Drone Cells = yes
    Population = good
    Condensation = no
    Pests = Chalkbrood
    • Pile of Chalkbrood outside entrance
    • Removed comb, frame 7 of DHB2 solid drone
    • Remove Swarm cups

    May 9, 2011
    r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2(bt), MHS1, IC, TC
    • Remove Entrance Reducer

    April 27, 2011
    (post link)
    r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2 , MHS1, HTF, VB, TC
    Pests = odd dark debris in cells
    • Remove HTF
    • Add IC
    • Add 1 SHB Beetle Trap (bt) to DHB2 w/mineral oil
    • Cut out  all comb on 1 frame DHB2 (drone)
    • Remove VB

    April 20, 2011
    r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, HTF, VB, TC
    • Frames remain undrawn
    • Remove 3 undrawn foundationless frames from MHS1
    • Add 3 partially drawn PC frames
    • Spray frames w/ 1:1 syrup

    April, 19, 2011
    r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, HTF, VB, TC
    • Add 1 gal. 1:1 syrup w/ACV & Thyme oil

    April 16, 2011
    r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IC, VB, TC
    • Remove IC
    • Add HTF
    • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV & Thyme oil

    April 3, 2011
    (post link)
    r-BB, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IC, VB, TC
    • Add Slatted Rack (SR)

    March 22, 2011
    r-BB, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IC, VB, TC
    DHB1 = 10 frames, Plasticell
                                   Brood frames = 6/10
    DHB2 = 10 frames, Plasticell
                                   Brood frames = 4/10
    MHS1 = 10 frames, Foundationless
                                   Drawn out = 0/10 
    Queen Spotted = yes DHB1/f3
    Brood Present = yes
    Brood Pattern = solid
    Drone Cells = yes
    Population = good
    Condensation = no
    Pest = Chalkbrood
    • Create Nuc#1
    • Remove 2 egg frames from DHB1
    • Add 2 undrawn foundationless frame to DHB1
    • Remove 1 egg frame from DHB2
    • Add 1 undrawn foundationless frame to DHB2
    • Removed all bees clinging to quiet box (approx 1 frame)

    March 12, 2011
    r-BB, DHB1, DHB2,  HTF, VB, TC
    DHB1 = 10 frames, Plasticell
                                   Brood frames = 5/10
    DHB2 = 10 frames, Plasticell
                                   Brood frames = 3/10
    Queen Spotted = didn't Look
    Brood Present = yes
    Brood Pattern = solid
    Drone Cells = yes
    Population = good
    Condensation = none
    Pests = Chalkbrood
    • Replace 1 frame in DBH2 w/ undrawn foundationless
    • Add 1 Medium Honey Super (MHS1) - undrawn foundationless
    • Remove HTF
    • Add IC

    February 18, 11
    (post link)
    r-BB, DHB1, DHB2, IC, i-VB, T-cover
    DHB1 = 10 frames, Plasticell foundation
    Brood Frames = 0/10
    DHB2 = 10 frames, Plasticell foundation
    Brood Frames = 3/10
    Queen Spotted = yes
    Brood Present= yes
    Brood Pattern = solid
    Drone Cells = no
    Population = good
    Condensation = minor

    Current Pest = none
    • Pollen & Nectar begin 2/17/11
    • Queen on frame #3 in DHB2
    • Remove old Pollen patty
    • Remove IC
    • Remove insulation from VB
    • Add HTF
    • Add 1 gal. 1:1 tea/syrup (poplar, maple, basswood, thyme, ACV)

    JANUARY 25, 11
    (post link)
    r-BB, DHB1, DHB2, DBH3, IC, i-VB , T-cover
    DHB1 = 10 frames, Plasticell foundation
    Brood Frames = 0/10
    DHB2 = 10 frames, Plasticell foundation
    Brood Frames = 0/10
    DHB3 = 10 frames, Crimped-Wire foundation
    Brood Frames = 0/10
    Population = critical, low, moderate, good, (high)
    Condensation = none, (minor), major

    • Remove DHB3 
    • Frames in freezer

    January 19, 11
    (post link)
    r-BB, DHB1, DHB2, DBH3, IC, VB, T-cover
    DHB1 = 10 frames, Plasticell foundation
    Brood Frames = 0/10
    DHB2 = 10 frames, Plasticell foundation
    Brood Frames = 0/10
    DHB3 = 10 frames, Crimped-Wire foundation
    Brood Frames = 0/10
    Population = critical, low, moderate, good, (high)
    Condensation = none, (minor), major

    • Remove Apistan Strips
    • Add Insulated VB - 1 of 3 holes open (i-VB)
    • Add 1/2 a Pollen Patty on top of frames in top box

    November 26, 10
    (post link)
    r-BB, DHB1, DHB2, DBH3, IC, VB, T-cover
    • Removed newspaper from Combination
    • Closed 2 of the 3 holes in the VB

    November 20, 10
    (post link)
    r-BB, DHB1, DHB2, HTF, VB, T-cover