Observation Window, useful?

[jeremy_c]

I am curious how useful you find an observation window in your hives.

Jeremy

[Bee Happy]

I said 'comes in handy' since it won't kill the bees if you don't have one; but that's the only reason.
I plan on splitting into an observation hive by next spring at the latest.

[mtbe]

I selected "comes in handy", but as a newbee, I think it is a lot of fun too.

[luvin honey]

I said "A Must!", but obviously it is not literally necessary for bee or human survival.  :-D I just cannot imaging having a hive that I could only scope out every 1-2 weeks! I really think my observation window will get people (friends and family) into beekeeping who would otherwise have little interest or desire. It gives everyone the capability of actually watching the bees do their incredible work!

So, maybe it actually could contribute to bee viability!

[SawBee]

My vote has to be "Comes in Handy".  I just installed my first three packages May23 and was able to see new comb in the observation window by the end of the day on May 24.  It was great to know they were already off and building comb.  I even observed a bee with lots of pollen doing a location dance.

[Brian D. Bray]

In the long run a window in a regular hive is more trouble than it's worth.  If you want to see into a hive obtain or make an observatioin hive.

[Daddys Girl]

I said "A Must!" because while bees will get on fine without one, the number of full inspections I have to do drops precipitously because I can open the window, take a peek, and walk away if there is nothing there that needs any attention.