Observation hive made it!

GaryMinckler · May 05, 2011, 05:05:39 AM

My 2 frame observation hive made it through a long brutal northeastern winter. Watched queen all winter and finally have a nice brood pattern now. Pretty cool!!

hiram.ga.bee.man · May 05, 2011, 08:16:55 AM

Got any pics? Any suggestions for success?

BjornBee · May 05, 2011, 08:22:10 AM

Congratulations.

I have terrible success overwintering observation hives. Not even going to try anymore.

hankdog1 · May 05, 2011, 08:46:52 AM

Quote from: GaryMinckler on May 05, 2011, 05:05:39 AM
My 2 frame observation hive made it through a long brutal northeastern winter. Watched queen all winter and finally have a nice brood pattern now. Pretty cool!!

Should have noticed the brood pattern at least a month ago. Congrats two frames of bees to make it through the winter up north is no easy task.

gwalker314 · May 06, 2011, 03:40:35 AM

Congrats Gary,
I started a 2 frame observation hive this spring. I was wondering if 2 frames were enough room to sustain a colony for a long period of time. Looks like you have proven it can. Does the queen lay brood in the top section as well and they just store honey & pollen around the brood?

GW

GaryMinckler · May 06, 2011, 04:39:36 AM

Last year brood was on bottom..now brood is on top frame. maybe because thats where the food source ended. I have pics here somewhere.

VolunteerK9 · May 06, 2011, 11:57:55 AM

I want an observation hive, but for some reason the wife said I couldnt put it in house. She always spoils the all the fun.

Michael Bush · May 07, 2011, 12:50:13 AM

I put it in the living room. It's the best channel on TV... Bee TV.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesobservationhives.htm