Association talk

[Brian D. Bray]

Just got off the phone with the president of the local beekeeping association.  He asked if I would do a presentation on bottomless hives and natural beekeeping.

Teaching aids will be a hive stand designed for bottomless hives, a slatted rack, foundationless frames, and 1 medium 8 frame hive sans bees.  Small cells will be part of the speel.

Since most of the beekeepers in the local group are traditionalists I expect a lot of questions.  I also expect to be told I'm out of my mind. 

Sould be interesting.  Anybody have some more ideas?  Understudy usually does, ditto Robo.  How about JP? 

[NWIN Beekeeper]

[Teaching aids will be a hive stand designed for bottomless hive...]

You have my attention...
Did you ever post a picture or diagram of this stand?

I ask because I make my own stands where my hives are entirely (16-1/4"x20") over 8 mesh screen.
I figure this provides the most absolute mite drop area.
They also have slides for a masonite sheet or 1/2" foam board.

How do bottomless hive handle guarding from robbing?

This make me wonder if M.Bush is going to come out with a topless upper entrance?

[Brian D. Bray]

[Teaching aids will be a hive stand designed for bottomless hive...]

You have my attention...
Did you ever post a picture or diagram of this stand?

When it comes to camera's, the best I can do is break them by standing in front of the lens.  I'm lucky to get a picture and posting is beyond my pay grade.

I ask because I make my own stands where my hives are entirely (16-1/4"x20") over 8 mesh screen.
I figure this provides the most absolute mite drop area.
They also have slides for a masonite sheet or 1/2" foam board.

I build mine stands out of double stacking 4X4s measured to 3inches longer than length of hive. I space the 4X4's so they are the same width apart as internal measurement of hive (nuc, 8 frame, or 10 frame) and bridge with 2X2s.  I use masonite to tie the bottom of the stand together and as a weed guard.  Mite drop area is the entire interal area hive.  I do use slatted racks that function as rest area, mouse/pest guard, and have slats for sliding mite board in and out.

How do bottomless hive handle guarding from robbing?

Use the mite board, bottom entrance can be regulated by how far the mite board is in or out.

This make me wonder if M.Bush is going to come out with a topless upper entrance?

He has, he just slides the migratory top back a bit.