Best SBB?

Saltcreek · April 20, 2007, 08:51:09 PM

I have been out of beekeeping for several years, and am getting back to it. Just leaned about Screened bottom boards. Which are the most popular bottom boards and type from Kelly, Dadant or Betterbee? I am using wooden hives Thanks.

tillie · April 20, 2007, 09:13:36 PM

I just bought this year the one that Dadant sells from Country Rubes (2rubes on Beesource).

http://countryrubes.com/

I LOVE it. It has a hole in the back for smoking the hive, the "sticky" board pulls out easily with a paint can opener (at least that's what I use - they recommend duct tape, but the paint pry-opener thingy works much easier), and it has a built in hivestand....but it's expensive, so you might not want it.

I was disappointed in the SBB I got from Dadant last year (not the one above) because it didn't have a removable tray and I have to improvise to do mite counts under the SBBs on my other two hives. So whatever SBB you get, be sure that it has a removable tray.

Linda T in Atlanta

Understudy · April 20, 2007, 09:14:14 PM

I use the one's from dadant or I make my own.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

annette · April 21, 2007, 01:45:56 PM

I have been using the one from Rubies in Grass Valley. The owner Janet is a wonderful lady and she has made a wonderful SBB. They are expensive, but worth it.
See Tillie above for web site.

Saltcreek · April 21, 2007, 02:08:21 PM

Thanks, I saw the CountryRubes on the Dadant dite and liked the looks of it. I wonder if anyone has tried one of the plastic or foam ones that fit wood Hives?

Charles

Michael Bush · April 21, 2007, 06:19:19 PM

I haven't tried anyone elses, but I like the Brushy Mt ones.

They have a nice removable tray, etc.

ZuniBee · April 21, 2007, 08:33:25 PM

Since I already had regular bottom boards I found it cheaper ($ 8.95) to purchase the screen insert from Brushy Mountain.

QuoteWith this screen you you turn your bottom board around so that the entrance is pointing to the back. Place screen above it. This leaves the backside open so that you can use a tray or sheet to monitor mite fall and keep the bottom board clean.

http://www.beeequipment.com/products.asp?pcode=471

mark · April 21, 2007, 09:14:40 PM

i make my own so i can turn the hive entrance 90 degrees and work the hive from the back. no sliding tray. just something to consider when ya need to pick up full supers