loads Beebox hives and equipment carried on my rucksack

Welcome

This is a COVID beekeeping project that got out of control. Poly hives have inspired many YouTube videos, but very little is written about them. So, here is a practical guide to plug the gap. I am not the sort of person who does things because that is what other people do. I prefer to experiment and seek better.

If the text is too small please use the zoom facility in your browser.

I do not possess a car, hence my backpack pictures. The 2.7-mile walk to my apiary keeps me fit.

I am in ever-increasing awe and wonder about bees, and as you read this, I hope you will, too. If you find it too detailed in places, use the highlighted text to jump through the page.

I assume prior knowledge of basic science, such as pollination and insects.

Beebox hive amongst greenery

A bucolic beebox hive

rucksack full of frames
Shifting 3 boxes and 10 frames
Poly hives can be stored outside all year round

  1. Plastic frames are tough.

  2. Carrying boxes is a breeze.

  3. They can be stored outside all year.

Pointing at something when at the peak of a hill in Edinburgh

“I can see a BeeBox hive!”

Black plastic or wax foundation makes it easy to spot eggs

“I can see eggs!”

This site contains everything I wish I had known when I started with bees. If you’ve plenty of time, watch YouTube. But it can only teach you so much.

Here is a Beebox demonstration @beekeeperDevon on YouTube,

If you object to keeping bees with plastic as it is “unnatural”, I can’t help that. But Kamon Reynolds explains how plastic foundation is suitable for bees and beekeepers. I bet their environmental credentials aren’t as bad as you suspect. Reasons for using plastic:

If you fancy reading this site like a book, click on the navigation at the bottom of each page.
To learn piecemeal, dip into the Contents. I have been didactic here and there to keep things simple.

Click on the website title to return to the home page.

I have relied on quality sources of information from Roger Patterson, Wally Shaw, David Cushman, Randy Oliver, Rusty Burlew, Prof Seeley, JD and BD Yates and Prof David Evans. Additionally, I have provided links to interesting research or summaries of research, but please bear in mind that science generally progresses from a body of evidence, not one study.

Strangely the site does not display properly using Safari on a tablet in portrait view (June 2024). Please feel free to use my photos for education, but not for financial gain. Please credit and link them to my site,

Disclaimer

This site is provided for general interest, information and guidance only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or any product. I make no guarantee regarding the accuracy or suitability for any purpose of the information on this site. No liability is accepted for any injury or loss arising out of its contents.