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This page is to discuss the new hive shelter & hive design at the PTJ this Summer!





In this track, artifacts include

- Build a Log Beehive
- Build a Warm Trap
- Extract Honey
- Build New Hives ( Langstroth, Warre, Comfort, Top-bar or another style )
- Building a new hive structure

Jacob Wustner will be the instructor for this track!

This thread is to share and discuss the designs for the new hives and shelter at Wheaton Labs!





Learn more about the Permaculture Technology Jamboree HERE
COMMENTS:
 
gardener
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steward
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Here's one that might help for the log bee hive.  I haven't had bees move in yet...

https://permies.com/t/138758/Details-hollow-log-hive
 
steward
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Directly interested in this one! Looking forward to the discussion and project!
 
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We've built some of the long Langstroth hives. So far this is my favorite type of hive. Three free plans here: https://lowtechinstitute.org/2017/03/26/beehives-three-ways-long-lanstroth-layens-and-tragkupa-for-sale-too/
One of the plans is for a Swedish Trågkupa. I haven't built it yet, but it is still on my list. It is essentially a big box with a trough that holds the bottom box of frames. Then Lang or other boxes are stacked inside for additional hive space, over which the entire big box gets closed. It can be insulated in the winter. Could be disguised to look like something other than a beehive if your local codes aren't friendly, not that I would encourage lawlessness.
I hope you'll share how the log hive turns out.
The bee stand and cover is nice. Do you have bears? Such a stand would lend itself to bear-proofing. I've put Langstroth hives into a shed (https://lowtechinstitute.org/2018/05/22/introducing-den-bienenstall/) with a side entrance. Also nice if you have a spare shed sitting around.
 
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Looking for all information about log hives
 
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Cool idea! More hive designs are always good.
 
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Here is a photo of Jacob working on his hives!

 
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Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to pop on here and give a little info on what we will be doing at the Jamboree in the Bee Track.

We will be building a horizontal log hive, that has top bars, so basically a top bar hive that has super thick walls.

We will also build a vertical log hive, but one that is divided into 3 or 4 shorter sections so that it can be easily inspected and manipulated.  We will do either top bars or bamboo skewers for the combs to be drawn from in this hive.

I would like to build a couple of Comfort hives (the modern lay person's Warre hive) and maybe a Langstroth hive as well.  And last but not least we will build at least one swarm trap (not warm trap!) if not more.

If there's any honey in the old hive we will extract it and maybe even process some beeswax.  Throughout the event I will be discussing Treatment Free beekeeping and the ethics of honey bee husbandry.  

Can't wait to see you all there!!
 
jacob wustner
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Here's my first sketch
PXL_20220415_234529829.jpg
Plan for Horizontal Top-bar Log Hive
Plan for Horizontal Top-bar Log Hive
 
jacob wustner
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Here's my first sketch of the vertical design
PXL_20220415_234540224.jpg
Plan for Vertical Sectional Log Hive
Plan for Vertical Sectional Log Hive
 
jacob wustner
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The theory behind the log hive is that the bees will do better in a more naturally shaped home.  So the reasoning for  thicker walls is to provide better insulation, and better protection from predators and the elements.  People may go on about additional benefits but for me it comes down to these couple of things.

The downside of log hives are their potential for weight.  Honey, pollen and beeswax are all heavy enough.  Add 3 more inches of hardwood and the hive becomes a pain to move or manipulate. This is the reason why I chose the top bar design for the horizontal hive and a sectional vertical design.  

To harvest the honey from vertical design, one must simply remove the top section, remove all the combs and replace it by putting it in the bottom position, like the Warre method.

The entrances will be one small knot hole in each section of the vertical hive, and one 1/2" x 4" entrance at one end of the horizontal hive.  
 
Mike Haasl
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As the log dries out it will try to shrink and will crack.  So the end sections of the horizontal log may want to be fatter than shown to resist excessive deformation.  You may also want to build some adjustment into the system for that shrinkage.  Lastly, when you cut the slab off for the roof, it will be a tad bit smaller than the part of the log it's sitting on so rain may not be shed as well as the bees would prefer.  Maybe a slab off a bigger log could be the lid?
 
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Just curious if there's been thought/discussion on squaring off the inside of the vertical log hive so that you could use standard-ish sized frames?  Maybe do a side by side with a rounded out vs squared off vertical log hive to see which works out better...
 
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I love the ideas on here! Truly amazing.
Wanted to share the log hive version described by Anastasia in the Ringing Cedars books. She explains in detail how to construct a hive that is most in accordance with nature. This is how I plan to create my hive when I get the chance!
http://cottarton.blogspot.com/2012/05/building-anastasia-hive.html?m=1
 
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Besides the weight issue, are any particular woods that are better for a log hive? Do the bees like certain types better than others? Thanks!
 
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jacob wustner wrote:Hi Everyone!
I just wanted to pop on here and give a little info on what we will be doing at the Jamboree in the Bee Track.
We will be building a horizontal log hive, that has top bars, so basically a top bar hive that has super thick walls.
We will also build a vertical log hive, but one that is divided into 3 or 4 shorter sections so that it can be easily inspected and manipulated.  We will do either top bars or bamboo skewers for the combs to be drawn from in this hive.
I would like to build a couple of Comfort hives (the modern lay person's Warre hive) and maybe a Langstroth hive as well.  And last but not least we will build at least one swarm trap (not warm trap!) if not more.
If there's any honey in the old hive we will extract it and maybe even process some beeswax.  Throughout the event I will be discussing Treatment Free beekeeping and the ethics of honey bee husbandry.  
Can't wait to see you all there!!



Here is a link for FREE PLANS of the Layens type Horizontal Hives.
https://www.horizontalhive.com/how-to-build/hive-frame-swarm-trap.shtml
The greatest feature about these is that the frames, when full of honey, run from 8-10 lbs., so no heavy lifting!!
The odd feature is that the frames are much larger than the Langstroth frames, meaning that you need to buy or build larger equipment to extract the honey (IF you're not doing it manually).

I would like to be at the event to see all of it, but, unfortunately I won't be able to go. Good Luck on your hive building!
 
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What is required to hew out a log for the purpose of a beehive?  it seems like it was take a lot of work and time?
 
Mike Haasl
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Depends how you do it.  Youtube shows a few different ways.  I cut mine out with a chainsaw so it wasn't too time intensive.
 
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Took some snaps of Jacob and the bee crew at work today.
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Beau M. Davidson
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