anti skunk/ badger hive stand?

derekm · October 08, 2011, 02:22:16 PM

I have a design for a hive stand that be of use to those who wish to make things more difficult for predators. The central pole with the hive over hanging makes it difficult for animals to climb/ reach the hive. To deter crawling insects, mice and rats grease the central pole.

BlueBee · October 08, 2011, 02:27:18 PM

How deep do I have to dig a hole to bury the pole? Is it going to lean like Pisa when it's loaded with honey? I like the idea, but sounds like it could be a lot of work to install this thing?

derekm · October 08, 2011, 02:42:51 PM

Quote from: BlueBee on October 08, 2011, 02:27:18 PM
How deep do I have to dig a hole to bury the pole? Is it going to lean like Pisa when it's loaded with honey? I like the idea, but sounds like it could be a lot of work to install this thing?

you dont bury it! you just place it on top of concrete paving , hard earth - note the carefully designed three legged base. It withstands me standing on top of it and it remains stiff, while I sway around on top.

BlueBee · October 08, 2011, 03:39:47 PM

Thanks Derekm, now I see the photo. I like it!

Did you weld it yourself? MIG? ARC? Made from iron?

derekm · October 08, 2011, 04:23:01 PM

mild steel 16 swg tube I had as offcuts from other projects, tig welded as the mig welder is not working at the moment.

Michael Bush · October 08, 2011, 10:04:36 PM

It's much easier to block the bottom entrance and put two shims under the cover for a top entrance...
http://www.bushfarms.com/beestopentrance.htm

My stands are all 3 1/2" tall... except for slopes, where they run from 3 1/2" to whatever...

derekm · October 09, 2011, 04:13:41 PM

Quote from: Michael Bush on October 08, 2011, 10:04:36 PM
It's much easier to block the bottom entrance and put two shims under the cover for a top entrance...
http://www.bushfarms.com/beestopentrance.htm

My stands are all 3 1/2" tall... except for slopes, where they run from 3 1/2" to whatever...

My hives being 18" up dont get grass, mice, ants, earwigs, or other creepy crawlies in them. Bees prefer 15ft up (5M) I think its best to be only one decimal point out.
I have Top vents open when temperatures rise high enough to require it to reduce fanning, but no top entrance, definitely not in winter.
The height of these stands was determined by a good working level for inspecting the brood box. I dont have back trouble but I'm willing to spend inorder not to go there. The anti-pest benefits were a bonus... but maybe worth it for others