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> Bee hive - (transfer station)
Bee hive - (transfer station)
This bee hive was found in an old barn. It is 16" x 16" x 8" high, and is well made and in good condition. The 11 frames are approx 5 1/4" high x 14" long, The hive cap is wood, covered by galvanized metal. The hive body has 2 galvanized metal sides, and 2 wood sides with iron handles.
The bottom is made of galvanized metal with a big round hole in it. (Please refer to the pictures). A friend from Iowa has suggested the reason for this is that since bee swarms may be found in hollow trees, that section of the tree would be cut off, this hive would be placed on top of the log section and the bees would move into the hive, transferring the honey and comb already in the log with them. This hive could also be used as a "swarm magnet", set out in a likely place to attract a new swarm of bees.
Once the new swarm is safely in your apiary, it will need a bottom board which is easy to make - approx 15 minutes with (1) 16" x 20" board or piece of plywood; (2) 16" long and (1) 14" long 1"x1" wood strips; and a few finishing nails. Bees need a landing field, and a platoon of guards to keep out security risks which are not part of their hive. The bottom board facilitates these bee functions, amongst others.
