Beekeeping is constantly evolving and introduces various developments from time to time. This allows the bees to create more comfortable conditions for work and development, and the beekeeper to reduce the cost of time and money. One of the most interesting and modern options is cluster beekeeping. This direction is characterized by a number of features.
Pros and cons of cassette beekeeping
Keeping bees in a cassette pavilion has certain pros and cons.The advantages of this direction include the following:
- mobility and the ability to move closer to honey plants;
- Can be used in any weather;
- ease of operation;
- versatility;
- increasing the volume of honey and wax;
- maintaining optimal temperature parameters and no need for insulation;
- ease of feeding;
- effective disease prevention;
- simple growth of bee colonies;
- increasing the activity of growing bee colonies.
The main disadvantages of cluster beekeeping include the following:
- crowdedness;
- fire hazard;
- close proximity of families.
Types of cassette pavilions
Cassette pavilions do not have many design differences. They are mobile and stationary. Secondary features include dimensions, materials, heating, lighting. The difference also concerns the cassette designs.
Any type of structure is placed with the long side facing southeast or southwest. The roof can be single or gable. The second option is considered more convenient, since it helps avoid snow accumulation in winter.
Mobile
This type of pavilion is similar to a house, which includes 2 rows of hives, or cassettes. They are connected by a common roof. From the inside there is a passage between the hives, which is required for servicing the apiary. The structure stands on a chassis. The functions of this element can be performed by a car trailer. A welded frame will help make the structure more stable. Chipboard can be used as cladding.
Stationary
This design has the same functionality as the mobile one. However, in this case, the foundation is used as the basis. The advantages of a stationary structure include the possibility of organizing lighting, plumbing, and heating. This is considered an important advantage in regions with harsh winters.The presence of communications simplifies the maintenance of the apiary.
How to make a pavilion with your own hands
Making a cassette pavilion with your own hands is quite possible. It is important to adhere to certain recommendations.
Materials
To build a mobile apiary, you will need a car trailer, and for a stationary one, a foundation. It is recommended to prepare the following materials:
- boards;
- roofing felt or slate - used for roofing;
- cement;
- chipboard;
- sand;
- crushed stone;
- self-tapping screws;
- nails;
- mesh or roofing felt;
- Styrofoam.
Tools
When choosing tools, it is recommended to prepare the following:
- welding machine – required for welding the frame;
- wood saw;
- jigsaw;
- measuring instruments;
- hammer;
- drill-driver;
- hacksaw.
Assembly
The construction process includes the following elements:
- Design - structures are built with no more than 20 compartments for installing cassette modules. Excess will lead to severe crowding. For a stationary structure, you should choose a convenient place away from people. After assembling the frame, it is recommended to begin construction and installation of modules. First, they need to be connected to each other, and then a common roof must be erected.
- Compartments - a change room and a compartment for equipment in a stationary structure are placed at your discretion. When creating a mobile pavilion, they should be placed in front of the trailer - in the area of connection with the car. It is recommended to place the compartment in one or different directions.
- Lighting – bees and beekeepers often lack natural light through windows. Therefore, wiring and installing lights are required in the house.
- Change house - when decorating a beekeeper's closet, it is recommended to install cabinets for storing clothes, work equipment, and food for bees. If a mobile apiary is being built, it is necessary to provide a place to spend the night.
- Thermal insulation - for normal wintering, structural elements need insulation. If the walls include boards, there is no need for additional thermal insulation. If plywood is used, it is worthwhile to provide double skinning of the frame. In this case, it is recommended to fill the void with insulation. Its functions can be performed by mineral wool. Particular attention should be paid to the insulation of the ceiling, doors and windows. These zones experience maximum heat loss.
- The roof is made durable, but light. Excessive loads are not recommended, especially when constructing a mobile apiary.
Manufacturing of the mobile beehouse "Berendey"
The Berendey pavilion can be mobile or stationary. Regardless of the type, its basis is considered to be a welded structure. It requires the use of a channel measuring 120 millimeters. For the legs of a welded model, you should use pipes. Sheet metal is used as support plates. The frame definitely needs to be painted. This helps protect against moisture.
It is worth laying a plank floor 40-50 millimeters thick at the base of the metal base. It is recommended to make the frame from beams, the dimensions of which are 60x70 millimeters.
Boards are used as cladding for the pavilion. It is imperative to make waterproofing from roofing felt. It is made for walls, floors and ceilings. The layer of insulating material is at least 10 centimeters. The roof should definitely be sheathed with metal. The compartments themselves are divided by sheets of chipboard.
Rules for keeping bees in pavilions
To keep bees successful, it is important to provide high-quality heating and ventilation. In winter, you should definitely visit the pavilion. This will help identify the dead. When a normal microclimate is maintained, bees almost never die.
It is recommended to feed insects through feeders. They should be mounted on the doors of cassette modules. It is recommended to check the amount of feed through the transparent wall of the feeder. In February it is worth using candi. To prevent the food from drying out, it is recommended to cover it with film.
Cassette beekeeping is a promising direction. It helps to increase the efficiency of insect breeding and produce a lot of high-quality honey. When building a pavilion for bees, it is worth considering a number of features.
