Observation hive tips plse.

[Poly Hive]

I suspect it will need insulating and another problem may be keeping it under control strength wise. Lovely thing though. Good luck

PH

[SDM]

The insulation question is the one I really can't find advice on , inside a building like a school that's in daily use, it should be draught free and never drop much below 10°c ( I would have thought) Do you think it would need insulating in an environment like that ? The build of it makes it effectively double glazed on 2 sides.
As for colony strength , I imagine it being rather a let alone thing, opened probably no more than twice a year. The ability to see swarm cells being prepped and the issue of the swarms themselves, would surely be part of the appeal.

[busybeephilip]

I seen one like this years ago, made out of glass glued with fish tank silicone basically a 10 frame national hive. It was at a bee farm in devon, the only big problem is that you can see the bees on the outside but cant see the queen laying etc in the middle frames so in my eyes a bit useless as an observation hive. Would not worry about insulation for that size of box, but keeping the bees in the subdued light or covered when not being used keeps them from struggling to find an entrance to get out to forage.

Love to set one up in my study but don't fancy drilling a hole in the wall or window frame

Also book: The Observation Hive Paperback – 11 Oct 1978 by Karl Showler there is one on amazon for around £7 at present

[Poly Hive]

It will need insulated yes and to keep the light out?? Hint.

PH