3 Frame Observation Hive Plans

Two Bees · May 07, 2009, 11:26:22 AM

I am looking to build the above OH from the plans on BeeSource. But I have a really dumb question (ok, two dumb questions) about the construction of this OH:

1. What are the 3/4 inch holes in the sides? I assume they for ventilation but the plans don't mention covering them with #8 hardware cloth.

2. If the side glass is flush against the sides of the top bars of the frame, how do the bees move from one frame to another in a three-frame hive?

Thanks!

Ross · May 08, 2009, 10:05:26 PM

space your glass 1.5-1.75 inches apart.

Two Bees · May 11, 2009, 09:05:25 AM

Thanks, Ross!

Are the 3/4 in holes in the sides for ventilation?

Greg Peck · May 11, 2009, 10:08:30 PM

The holes in the sides are for ventilation. they need to be covered with hardware cloth.

The space between the glass is important. 1 3/4 seems to work well I only get a little bit of comb built on the glass. read M Bushes page on OB hives http://www.bushfarms.com/beesobservationhives.htm. I reworked the Bee Source plans using info from MB's site and some ideas I thought would make it easier to work the hive when needed. Like instead of glass that slides down into a grove I made it so that I could remove some screws and just take the glass out, no sliding which I thought would be a pain once the bees "glued" it up. Any way I am sure the Bee Source plan will be ok just dont make it to wide.

Two Bees · May 12, 2009, 10:14:51 AM

Thanks, Greg!

michael-bees · May 12, 2009, 11:06:36 PM

I have an OB and used #8 screen on the vent holes, the bees get through it. I then cut a small round window screen piece and pushed it in the vent hole tight to the #8 screen and end of problem. My bees are on small cell so maybe they are just small enough to fit through the screen.

Bee-Bop · May 13, 2009, 09:45:00 AM

Quote from: michael-bees on May 12, 2009, 11:06:36 PM
I have an OB and used #8 screen on the vent holes, the bees get through it. I then cut a small round window screen piece and pushed it in the vent hole tight to the #8 screen and end of problem. My bees are on small cell so maybe they are just small enough to fit through the screen.

That's amazeing, I have small cell {Mann-Lake 120} I use # 8 and even some #7 wire cloth my bees can't get thru it.

Old carpenters saying " Measure once cut twice, Measure twice cut once "

Remember to take everything you read on these inter-net boards with a " grain or two of salt " [ another old saying ]

Bee-Bop

michael-bees · May 13, 2009, 11:15:35 PM

Just when you think you have seen it all. Care to see a picture of the bees getting through the screen?