Wanted: Bee keeping equipment

[adamevans45]

hi all,

just a quick one before i look for new, is there anyone in the south wales area ideally, selling beekeeping equipment, I'm looking to start off so everything is needed. ideally after 1 or 2 national hives along with the corresponding kit.

cheers
adam

 

[Woodenbeam]

Get yourself over to the beekeeping show in Telford in a couple of weeks. Pre-order stuff from Thornes in their sale to collect, sale prices should be on their website.

 

[EssBee]

you should have a look at the Maisemore Apiaries website.

 

[gelert]

Get yourself over to the beekeeping show in Telford in a couple of weeks. Pre-order stuff from Thornes in their sale to collect, sale prices should be on their website.

I was just about to suggest,that or Simon the beekeeper online store is a good shout.Also join your local bee keeping group,some people have equipment for sale.

 

[bk]

If you are looking at new, I really liked the 14x12 poly hives

 

[Mike1979]

If you are looking at new, I really liked the 14x12 poly hives

Thats like the creedmoor of beekeeping...a hive designed in the last 100 years.....some eyebrows will be raised.

For note I own a Creed and we run all our bees on Poly 14 x 12

 

[bk]

lol touche!

Im in the Peak District so the insulation was welcome

 

[Hunter23]

Try Old Castle Farm Hives just outside Neath excellent service

01639 645333
07973 890227
info@oldcastlefarmhives.com

Old Castle Farm Hives, Old Castle Farm, Fairyland Road, Tonna, Neath, SA11 3QB

 

[Bo Diddley]

Blimey, the poly 14 x 12 isn't cheap
How durable are they?

 

[bk]

I got the Swienty and it wasnt too bad - it lasted well

 

[VSS]

Thats like the creedmoor of beekeeping...a hive designed in the last 100 years.....some eyebrows will be raised.

For note I own a Creed and we run all our bees on Poly 14 x 12

As a .270 owner, I have to confess to making my own beehives.

 

[Mike1979]

As a .270 owner, I have to confess to making my own beehives.

Top man Never have the time for such things unfortunately.

 

[Mike1979]

Blimey, the poly 14 x 12 isn't cheap
How durable are they?

We have a few Thornes and a load of Maisemore poly hives.

Drawbacks - you cant flame them to clean them like with wood, you have to be a bit more careful with a hive tool as they are easier to damage, if the bees decide the entrance isnt big enough they will eat through the hive.

Pros - insulation, weight

 

[VSS]

Top man Never have the time for such things unfortunately.

Got some in kit form from a company called Fragile Planet, and used the parts as templates.

 

[Bo Diddley]

Got some in kit form from a company called Fragile Planet, and used the parts as templates.

Are you using plywood to make your hives

 

[VSS]

Are you using plywood to make your hives

Yes.
It's ok provided that you take care to seal the cut ends to prevent it delaminating.

 

[Smallholder]

I went with new equipment when I started as I didn't want the risk of introducing disease. I'd also suggest joining your local bee group, not just for 2nd hand equipment but to also hear what sized box does well in your area.

It's also worth noting not all national hive parts are the same size. I quite like the old Paynes poly hives but they are larger on the outside than a standard wooden hive. The Swienty hive has the same outside size but only takes 10 frames, I also don't like the way they crush bees on the ends of the frames.

If you ever think about making hives the Dave Cushman site is a good start : Drawings of National Bee Hive Component Parts It may not save much as the price of timber has gone up.

As for insulation, to keep them warmer in winter and cooler in summer a piece of kingspan under the roof helps, make sure the bees are kept away from it though.