Observation Hive

[JordanM]

I want to get an observation hive but i dont think i would be able to keep it in the house during the winter time or in the house at all.
My question is can you leave an observation hive in a barn that gets down to 0 degrees with the bees survivng through the winter.

[buzzbee]

Can't you give it an exit tube out through a window or something?

[BjornBee]

>>>>>My question is can you leave an observation hive in a barn that gets down to 0 degrees with the bees survivng through the winter.<<<<<

No.

[Kathyp]

even i the summer, you still have to give them a way to get out.  a number of us have them and if you do a search, you'll probably find pictures to give you ideas.  as i recall, buzzbee has a great set up and good pictures.

[specialkayme]

You could consider keeping an OH durring the spring, then in the summer get it to fill out a nuc, and over winter it in that. Or, you could keep an OH for the spring and the summer, then when fall begins add what was in there to another hive so it can over winter.

Generally speaking though, An OH will not survive outside of the house. There is not enough space in there for them to produce enough honey to make it through the winter. Even if you were able to give them enough food, there isn't enough space for them to hover together for warmth.

[Michael Bush]

If we are talking a one frame wide observation hive in Michigan, no.

[Natalie]

Not sure if this helps but Brushy Mountain makes an observation hive that sits over a 5 frame deep nuc.
You can detach the observation part of it and use it as a nuc.

http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/prodinfo.asp?number=U501

[JordanM]

You could consider keeping an OH durring the spring, then in the summer get it to fill out a nuc, and over winter it in that. Or, you could keep an OH for the spring and the summer, then when fall begins add what was in there to another hive so it can over winter.

Generally speaking though, An OH will not survive outside of the house. There is not enough space in there for them to produce enough honey to make it through the winter. Even if you were able to give them enough food, there isn't enough space for them to hover together for warmth.

I planned on having them a house out the side of the barn but this is a great idea of putting them in a nuc for the wintertime.

Thanks specialkayme

[specialkayme]

Not a problem. Enjoy!