I knew alot of work goes into the construction of the hive bodies and supers. I didn't realize just how much.
I went to Dadant on Friday and bought the items needed for one complete colony: Two 9 5/8 bodies and Two 6 5/8 supers (frames and foundations also). Assembled, primed and three coats of quality paint. I have a co-worker (25 years if beekeeping experience) who has been mentoring me and he uses diagonal color variations on his boxes to help prevent drifting. I read in "The Hive And The Honeybee" that various shapes painted just above the hive entrance would serve the same purpose. It seemed to me that this is a much easier way to help prevent drifting.
It's alot of work but is very rewarding. My first colony has a home in April!!
PS> I am constructing a second hive in a week or so...
Yes it's a lot of work.Years ago I purchased 100 beehives for ten dollars apiece.I wasn't thinking very good.I had to move them from Gunnison Utah to Fruit Hieghts Utah.I also needed to rehive then.I got them moved they had been in this ole gals back yard for about 15 years just sitting there,Well I went to purchase two deeps for every hive I had plus frames plus foundation I thought I would never get them asembled and rehived oh and the cost hadn't figured that in either wowwwwww
kirko
I make all mine myself, building for 50-60 hives this winter plus 30 nucs, buy all my lumber from Home depot or Lowes then do it all myself,,, when finished I say them are my hives, built to TwT standards,,, plus im cheap and can't afford store bought hives that you have to assemble plus the shipping charges... ;), if I paid that much for a hive I want it delivered and put together with no shipping charges!!!!! just my 2 pennies worth!!!
I usually buy just the frames and foundation. Buying frames 100-200 at a time sames money. Cutting down deep foundation into 1 inch strips means 1 sheet makes 8 frames. If I buy boxes I by all 8 frame mediums, all frames are mediums. Uniformity is a way to save dollars as well as make things easier.
Hi all
It Makes me chuckle to hear you guys going on about prices. Our main bee supplier all be it to the hobbyist side of things sells single un-assembled ceder brood boxes for about £34.00. The price of a 5 frame nuc this year is £140.00 and queens go out at £32.00. Oh yes and they sell out!!!!!!
Regards Ian
Yes Ian I'm sure the prices are more there you have BRITISH bees
kirko
What a great I idea I think I'll do that
kirko
I have friend that is a pollinator. I paid $150 for 30 deep bodies a few weeks ago. Heavy duty hives out of florida. Almost brand new. Very heavy material as well. Nice cleats for handles. Best deal I've ever got.
Scott
Okies, some Aussie stats.
Sheet of foundation $1.10
4 walls for an 8 frame full depth, $27.00
Complete bottom board $16.00
Migatory cover $15.00
Full depth frame $4.30
Quote from: mick on January 09, 2007, 04:32:03 AM
Okies, some Aussie stats.
Sheet of foundation $1.10
4 walls for an 8 frame full depth, $27.00
Complete bottom board $16.00
Migatory cover $15.00
Full depth frame $4.30
Here are some Wisconsin prices: I paid $144.00 US for a complete hive. Two hive bodies, Two Supers with frames and plasticell foundation, bottom board, inner cover and telescoping cover with a metal bound Queen Excluder. Assembly required.
when you're on a disability pension spare money can be hard to come by. I recycle used lumber into hive bodies, tops, screened bottoms, and my own design of slatted rack when I can. At the cost of shipping I usually have to figure 1/3 more than the price of the merchandise for that. Buying as local as possible saves on shipping too. Mostly I get mine from Western Bee out of Polson, Mt as it's about 500 miles and the shipping cost are usually zone 2 or 3.
Brian...I have been trying to get on the western bee website for a couple of weeks now and can't seem to get it. I was hoping they didn't go out of business or something??? I can't seem to find last years catalogue they sent me.
I've had the same problem with Western Bee. If anyone figures it out, let me know.
Western Bee has a sign in and search page. If your virus or spyware program are set too tight it will block it.
I just get "page not found"
Unless you know a different address than:
www.westernbee.com