how level do hives need to be. I have just bought a rough hive with a metal bottom board when i put it level dew was running in each morning so I have tilted it a little forward. it stops the dew running in but will it affect the combs?
Are you doing the hives foundtionless :?
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
If foundationless you want the hive level from side to side so that when they draw comb in relation to gravity (plumb) they draw relatively straight comb.
Front to back doesn't matter as much and the hive should be tilted slightly forward to shed moisture as you have done.
If on foundation it matter little.
Scott
Thank you both for your answers I have foundation frames but am gradually going to swap to foundationless frames
Forward is fine. Side to side should be level. More so if it's foundationless.
Thanks again I'm going to go back to your site for advise on how to gradually swap to foundationless.
The hive box should tilt a tiny bit forwad, so that dew, rain, etc runs out the front entrance. Otherwise, filthy water sits inside the hive - bad for the bees and rots (or in your case rusts) your box. It seems that moist hives also contribute to chalk brood. I also think it makes it a tiny bit easier for them to be good housekeepers as they can roll their rubbish out down hill ;)
Wouldn't mind seeing a pic of your metal base hive - only every seen wood and weathertex before.
It's just a flat metal sheet with a lip bent down front and back, looks homemade. I was just grateful to get any type of hive here, the SHB and Cyclone Yasi has had a bad affect on the hives up here. (north queensland)
qualitybeekeepingsupplies.com.au have pictures of them on their site
Thanks. Had only seen timber or weathertex ones down here. I would image rust is an issue, esp in NQ?
mine isn't rusty it has been inland from here but i think it would rust pretty quick here as we have salt water all around us i will be changing it as soon as new hive arrives i didn't mind buying an old hive it was the bees i was wanting actually the frames look pretty new as does the foundation i'm very happy with the bees nice and placid and busy
beehives are a lot tuffer than you think i am still turning hives back up from yassy and as long as the water can drain out whether front sideways or upside down they will crank along unless the toads are giving them a hiding. the angle on a frame cell is only six degress so even if the frame is upside down you wouldn't notice the change the townsville club does have burdekin meetings also.
You're a tough lot in NQ! Even your bees. Hope next season goes better.
thank you i bought my hive off the president in townsville i'll ring him later and find out about the ayr meetings i'd love to join a club