Anyone interested in purchasing an Observation Hive in the future?

[specialkayme]

I AM NOT SELLING ANYTHING AT THIS TIME. That is why I didn't put it in the "For Sale" Section. Just getting a feel on the market.

For those interested in pictures, here you go:
















Basically, I made an indoor observation hive, that supports 3 deep frames or 4 medium frames (it's grooved for both). It sits on a lazy susan, spins all the way around, and opens on one side. That side is held closed with three window locks, and the other side is held closed with four screws. Both sides have hinges, if they need to be opened. There is a small board that slides in to close it off when you need to move it outside. The windows are plastic (so they won't shatter) and I have two board panels that go over the windows (covered in felt on the inside) to help make it darker for the ladies. a feeder is attached. a PVC pipe fits inside the hole in the bottom, and attaches to a tube to go to the window. The four legged table it sits on is just something I threw together, not intended to be part of the OH, but if you want it I can give it to you. It's all made out of pine, although some pieces are made out of poplar (if my memory serves me correctly). I have given it one coat of polyurethane.

I'm interested in making a new one, out of oak, that has a few different features (like a screened bottom so I can do mite counts) and is a little bit smaller. My wife said I would need to sell this one (or have a buyer lined up) before I can make a new one (bless her heart). I would build the new one over the next couple months, as just a side project, and when the bees in there have a place to move to I'll be selling this one.

I'm wondering if anyone would be interested in purchasing the old one (or if there are multiple people, I can make two when I make the new one) in the future. Bonterra Bees has a similar model being sold for $585 ($525 plus $60 for the panels). a similar one (without a feeder, without panels, and without glass) is on ebay right now for $300. I was thinking less than that, or around $200-$250 + shipping. Price is negotiable if you are willing to wait for me to build the new one.

[Fanie]

Hello specialkayme,

I saw some 'indoor' hives a while back on the internet.  Looks like a really spectacular thing to keep in the house.  Nicely made hive you have there !

I was wondering if it will work if one put a perspex window in a hive so you can observe how they priogress, what I don't know if it will bother them if there is light shining in the hive ?

[specialkayme]

Something like this? Beekeeping,Beekeepers Observation window beehive,honey,bees

Georgia bees basically makes one wall of a hive glass, then pushes it against a window for people to see.

It works, and you can do it too, only not next to the window if you want. Just keep in mind that the glass (or perspex) will allow heat in (through the sun) but not let it out, and can overheat the bees if the window is facing the sun. Apart from that, too much light could stress them out. You could just cover it up with a sheet or a board or something. But yea, it's possible.

[Robo]

I was wondering if it will work if one put a perspex window in a hive so you can observe how they priogress, what I don't know if it will bother them if there is light shining in the hive ?

In addition to the issue with sun/heat that specialkayme stated,  an observation window in the side of a Langstroth box is not very interesting.  You will never see the queen or brood being raised.   You'll only get to see nectar/pollen being stored.   If you don't keep it covered to shade it from light, they will propolis it much quicker.