Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[eussrh]

I wanted to try a different type of hive (I have Kenyan topbars) so I built a Perone hive. I will install bees next weekend. I built in an observation window since I don't want to be totally clueless on what is going on in the hive. Any experiences with Perone hives in the Texas area or similar climate?

I would post pictures but since I am new, it won't let me include links

Thanks, Stephen

[Adam Rose]

You may also be interested in some experiments going on with "Japanese" hives : http://www.biobees.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13144, http://www.biobees.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14679 and elsewhere. It's the same stack of boxes idea but smaller horizontal dimensions.

[eussrh]

Thanks, it looks interesting. I am also trying a Warre hive, and it looks similar. I guess the Japanese hive uses a nadiring approach. But it looks like after a while, the comb is just supported by the spales. I worry that it will get too hot in Texas for that to be sufficient.

[eussrh]

It is placed in a wooded area with deciduous trees, so it should be shielded from direct sun during the summer, but receive sun during the winter.

[eussrh]

Here are some of the mods I made to the mk2 plans:
- It has top and bottom entrances that are 2" holes. I can close or reduce them with cork stoppers. I plan to only use the top entrance initially.
- it is made from 2x8 cedar, because the 1x8 looked too flimsy for such a large box.
- I put an observation window in the side that I can open to look in.
- The top bars are actually removable if needed. I used 1 3/8" spacing
- The top has a removable panel that I can use to put a bag feeder if needed (when I initially install the bees)
- The hive is up on legs as fire ants are a major problem in Texas