Poly hive musings.

[fatshark]

Using cedar Smith hives is so boringly simple
Is there anything I can do to complicate things without resorting to buying poly hives?

Why don't you convert some of them to bottom bee space? ... it'll be a pita and, if you're careful not to label them as such, will continue to cause frustration for many seasons. I'd hate to see you left out of all the fun.

And on the subject of poly hives ... I've only kept two cedar nucs for sentimental reasons but have lots (as defined by someone who is not a member of the BFA i.e. about 20 ... 'lots' to a BFA member is a three digit number) of Thorne's Everynucs and like them a lot. And as Gavin knows I'm hoping to invest in some Swienty (not Swingy as my spellcheck keeps insisting on) brood boxes this year, but I'll continue to use my own-brand floors, crownboards and Correx roofs.

[Black Comb]

How do you all clean the propolis off these polynucs?
The bees like filling the very small cracks and it is difficult to clean it out.

[The Drone Ranger]

I just got back in and am overwhelmed by the number of suggestions from the forum members
In particular Gavins excellent suggestion for superfluous handles which I can later mislay

Nearly everybody seems to have favourite poly hives
Also everyone also seems to have several manufacturers hives

At first that seemed a little bizarre but in context its perfectly reasonable
If necessity is the mother of invention then surely variety must be the brother of invention
Its a brave new world

[Mellifera Crofter]

How do you all clean the propolis off these polynucs?
The bees like filling the very small cracks and it is difficult to clean it out.

When in use I just scrape it off as I would on a wooden hive. When not in use I scrape most of it off when the propolis is dry and hard. After that I wash and scrub the box in hot water and soda crystals. Some propolis just stay put and become part of the box's history - like wrinkles on a face.
Kitta

[Black Comb]

That's what I do MC, but as the years go by the propolis content increases.
Nothing like a good scrape and scorch on a cedar box.

[madasafish]

That's what I do MC, but as the years go by the propolis content increases.
Nothing like a good scrape and scorch on a cedar box.

I use a wire brillo ..with soda crystals and hot water.. Works wonders...(there are advantages in knowing how to wash up..:-)

[The Drone Ranger]

Propolis dissolves in surgical spirit which is safe enough on wood it might melt the poly? but its likely to be OK

[The Drone Ranger]

https://www.thorne.co.uk/queen/matin...roduct_id=7205
I might give these a try this year if they are not all sold by now
£8.50, Mouse proof, marvellous, go to the top of the class

Q0136-800-500x500.jpg

[mbc]

Groan, yet another format to tempt me, they do look quite good.

[nemphlar]

At £8.50 they have to be worth a try
2 of them just arrived, they look ok, will need a float if feeding syrup. Wonder how the bees will take to the plastic comb starter