Observation hive question

gardeningfireman · January 24, 2011, 09:31:01 AM

I am building a 2-deep-frame observation hive. It is strictly for taking on demonstrations, talks, etc. It will not be used to house bees in for any length of time. I would put two frames in, go give my talk, come home and return frames to their hive. Probably 3 hours maximum out of the hive. My question is: Could I or should I NOT take the queen? I certainly wouldn't want to take her if it could create a problem when I return the frames to the hive! Thanks!

BjornBee · January 24, 2011, 09:43:35 AM

Most folks want to see the queen. She is the number 1 attraction.

I do think that removing her several times a year may be harmful. Sometimes, depending on your observation hive, the frames move back and forth in the car when you first place them in. (This does not happen with an established O.H. colony as they glue everything tight.

I would be more apt to just maintain a O.H., and then just combine them in the fall with another hive.

D Coates · January 24, 2011, 10:52:23 AM

Bjorn is dead on. You've got to have the queen in there, preferably marked. People want to see the queen. I went without the queen one time and regretted it as people seemed let down to not see her. Personally, I use the Ulster observation hive, http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/Ulster-Observation-Hive/productinfo/U501/. The platform is more stable and I find the hive is calmer because the queen is never fully removed and I can use it as a nuc when not being used as a temporary OB hive.

specialkayme · January 24, 2011, 11:45:05 AM

You can build your observation hive to make it so the frames don't wobble when you move it, which eliminates (or greatly reduces) the chance of squishing bees and the queen. I do think that removing the same queen from a hive several times a year could do some damage and stress to a hive, but removing the queen for 3 hours and then replacing her might be alright if you change up the hive that you take it from.

gardeningfireman · January 24, 2011, 03:15:01 PM

Thanks for the info! I looked up the Ulster hive and decided to make one. Actually just got back from Home Depot with the wood! :-D

D Coates · January 24, 2011, 07:03:09 PM

I bought mine early on. Had I not done so I would do the same as a winter project. Have fun and be careful!

specialkayme · January 24, 2011, 07:06:53 PM

In case you are interested, here is a post where I walked through the most recent build of my observation hive:

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,30161.0.html

It isn't the same style as you are going for, but it does show you how to build it so the frames don't "wobble" while in transit.