Dive into the World of Observation Hives!

Hey Bee Enthusiasts! 🌼 Ever wondered what it’s like to have a front-row seat to bee life without disturbing them? That’s where observation hives come in!

Check out this image for a hard copy of the hive. Ready to explore the buzzworthy details?

Observation hives are like mini theaters for bee behavior, housed in a box with glass sides. I’ve been building these fascinating setups for 40 years, crafting all kinds of shapes and sizes – from elegant pieces of furniture to practical wooden crates.

-Behold the observation hive!

What’s Inside?

This hive stands one frame high and four frames wide, perfect for a small colony to thrive during summer. Plus, it’s easily portable for demonstrations or maintenance work.

Building Material

-Get a sneak peek from the bottom.

To create this hive magic, all you need is a six-foot piece of 1″ x 8″ x 3/4 wood. Here’s the breakdown:

• Bottom: 22″ x 7 1/4″
• Two Sides: 10 7/8″ x 5 3/4"
• Top: 18 3/8″ x 5 3/4
• 2 Side Cleats: 5 3/4″ x 1 3/4″
• 2 Bottom Cleats: 7 1/4″ x 1 3/4″
• 8 Mirror Clips
• 2 Glass or Plexiglass Pieces: 19 3/4″ x 10 3/4″
• 4 Deep Frames
• Small Piece of 1/8″ Hardware Cloth: About 5″x 5″
• Wood Screws

Crafting the Magic

Prepare the bottom and sides, then fasten them together:

• Sides have a 3/4″ dado cut starting 3/4 inches below their top edges.
• Center one side on the bottom, making it flush.
• Drill pilot holes and screw the side securely.
• Center the second side and attach it to the bottom.

-A closer look at the corners.

Cut out the top piece:

• Make a mason jar ring size hole in the lid.
• Staple a piece of 1/8″ hardware cloth to cover the hole.
• Securely fasten the top between the sides.

-Top it off in style.

Add cleats and create an entrance:

• Place top cleats flush with the upper surface.
• Position bottom cleats below the sides.
• Cut a 1″ entrance hole on one end.

Now, it’s the perfect time to give it a stylish wood finish.

Let the Light In!

-Mirror clips to keep the glass in place.

When getting the glass, have the shop round off the edges and corners. Mount mirror clips to hold the glass in place – loosen them for vertical sliding or remove for horizontal removal.

Home Sweet Hive

Stock this hive with:

• One frame with a queen, bees, brood, honey, and pollen.
• Two empty drawn comb frames.
• One foundation frame.

Keep it clean, removing excess propolis and beeswax, especially on the end bars. Maintaining tight tolerances ensures proper bee space and deters burr/brace comb.

TLC Time

-A completed hive with frames, glass, and a cozy chair.

Over time, the glass might need cleaning. Use this opportunity to:

• Remove extraneous comb or propolis.
• Add space with a frame of foundation.
• Remove a brood frame if excess bees become an issue.

Winter Retreat

-Ready for winter with a snug cover.

For winter, move the hive to a cool, dark, undisturbed spot like an unheated garage. When the weather permits bee flight, set it outside, retrieving it when winter returns.

Ready to embark on this buzzing journey? ✨

-Happy beekeeping, M 🐝🤠