Welcome
This is a COVID beekeeping project that got out of control.
Most of the site applies to any hive type. Here is the site map
A bucolic Beebox hive
My Experience
I choose to use poly hives as I thought they would be best for bees, and I still do.
When I started beekeeping, plastic frames were only available for Langstroth hives.
It has taken me almost ten years to master using poly hives and plastic frames. Devotees vehemently attest that bees do well with both. They do once you have strong colonies and drawn super frames.
Poly hives or beekeepers that use poly hives make winter losses almost unknown.
Poly hives encourage early swarming.
Bees only reliably draw plastic frames in a nectar flow. Undrawn frames block expansion.
Bees nibble polystyrene. Microplastics may contaminate honey.
I have completed the Basic Assessment. There is plenty of extra unnecessary stuff to learn. Many years ago, I swore I would never sit another written examination.
Plastic frames are tough.
Carrying boxes is a breeze.
They can be stored outside all year.
“I can see a BeeBox hive!”
“I can see eggs!”
I’ll teach you all you need to know, whatever your hive type
If you’ve plenty of time, watch YouTube. It can only teach you so much.
I assume you know basic science
e.g. Pollination and insects.
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.
Some of my sources
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. I challenge standard beliefs whenever possible.
Strangely, the site does not display properly using Safari on a tablet in portrait view (June 2024). You are welcome to use my photos for education, but not for financial gain. Please credit and link them to my site.
Maybe keeping bees with plastic is “unnatural”
Kamon Reynolds explains how plastic foundation is suitable for bees and beekeepers. Possibly, its environmental credentials aren’t as bad as you suspect. Here are my reasons for using plastic.
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.