To breed bees, you will need to create special houses. Today there are many types of hives on sale, which are characterized by different shapes, design features and sizes. That’s why many people are interested in which hive a novice beekeeper should choose. To choose the right option, you should take into account a number of criteria.
Types of hives and their purpose
Depending on the design features, bee houses have the following varieties:
- collapsible;
- whole.
Modern hives usually have a collapsible structure.Previously, the honeycombs in them were attached to rulers. However, after some time, these types of hives were replaced by frame structures. One house may contain several frames with honeycombs. However, their number can change. One-piece designs are usually not used, as they are not very convenient.
Depending on the direction, the hives are as follows:
- Horizontal – also called recumbent. Their structure includes one body, which can be expanded in different directions. The number of frames can be easily changed, but the design turns out to be too heavy and cumbersome.
- Vertical - they are called standing. The size of such houses changes due to the addition of upper tiers. The design is light and mobile.
- Combined - combines all the advantages of vertical and horizontal hives. These hives use several sections, which are divided by a partition. Thanks to this, it is possible to change the dimensions in any direction.
When choosing the type of hive, it is important to take into account the physical capabilities of the beekeeper. Of great importance is also the fact how often he will visit the apiary. Another significant parameter is the breed of bees.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a hive design, it is recommended to focus on the following criteria:
- Terrain. If the region is not characterized by excellent honey-bearing potential, it is recommended to give preference to a single-hull design. For areas with consistently high rates, beds or double-hulled hives are suitable.
- Climate and external factors. If the region experiences frosts in spring and autumn, it is worth using double-walled hives. In this case, it is permissible to leave them outside for the winter.
- Features of the apiary. If the farm is nomadic, you should give preference to a lightweight design.More bulky models are suitable for a stationary apiary.
The best hives for beginners
Today, there are many popular hive designs that can be used by beginners.
Sun lounger
Many beekeepers are sure that this hive is considered the most convenient. Such structures may include 16 recliners and 20-24 frames. At the stage of development of the bee colony, the nest can be expanded. To do this, you need to install honeycombs on the side. The size of the nest is regulated by a delimiting board.
The advantages of sun loungers include the following:
- the ability of a bee colony to increase strength by the time honey is collected;
- no need to move the structure;
- unobstructed access to frames;
- reduction of swarming;
- possibility of increasing the number of cells on foundation;
- creating layering directly in the hive;
- the possibility of keeping two families in the hive in winter.
At the same time, sun loungers also have disadvantages:
- small frame height;
- complication of maintenance when installing a magazine extension;
- not very good spring development.
Multihull
This design is a single-walled house, which is equipped with standard frames measuring 435x230 millimeters. The design includes the following elements:
- three or more identical cases, each of which includes 10 frames;
- liner;
- lid;
- detachable bottom.
Each building has an independent entrance. In this case, an additional tap hole is made on top of the lower body. A multi-hull structure is considered more difficult to operate than a sunbed. Bees in such a house remain to spend the winter in two buildings. In this case, the upper tier is filled with honey. Thanks to this, it acts as a feeder.
The main advantages of a multi-body hive include the following:
- Possibility of use in any beekeeping methods;
- ease of collecting nests for wintering;
- quick construction of frames with foundation;
- ease of packaging of the bee colony during transportation.
However, the design also has some disadvantages:
- ventilation problems;
- difficulties when working with cases in the case of using high-intensity beekeeping technology;
- lack of free space, which leads to the need to remove part of the frames - this causes stress in the bees;
- the emergence of difficulties when raising two families;
- the inability to control the building frame and prepare the colony for swarming.
Expanded polystyrene
The main advantage of this design is its affordable cost. You can assemble such a hive quite quickly. Even beginners can do this. The main advantages of this type of design include:
- good thermal insulation;
- light weight of the home even with a multi-tiered assembly;
- no risk of rotting or mold;
- ease of replacement of internal elements.
However, the design also has a number of disadvantages. These include the following:
- need for additional fixation;
- the need to replace structures at intervals of 3-4 years.
Varre
This is an extremely simple design, which includes several square buildings 30 centimeters wide. They are installed on top of each other. As a rule, 2 buildings are left for the winter. At the same time, in the summer, 2 more are added to them. There are no frames in the design, just like in the natural habitats of bees. In the design, planks are nailed to two opposite walls. The bees will build honeycombs on them.
Common beginner mistakes
Beginner beekeepers often make the following mistakes;
- do not cull weak bees;
- do not expand nests;
- do not control the swarming process;
- do not monitor the condition of bee colonies.
There are many different types of hives suitable for beginning beekeepers. When choosing a specific option, it is important to take into account a number of features - the climate of the area, the number of honey plants, the breed of bees.
