I started this little project because we came into possession of an expanded polystyrene box and lid of a suitable size, about 60cm x 35cm x 25cm.
You will require such a box, with a close fitting lid and walls thick enough to allow fittings to be added, in this case about 3cm thick. A wooden box of a similar size would be fine and may be easier to work if you have some basic woodworking skills and tools.
My first collection request came as a bit of a shock.
It was only my second summer when I found an answer machine message out of the blue from a very worried couple who had been given my phone number. That happens a lot.
Hive number 8 came through the winter well. However. It became apparent that the colony was not building up.
The queen appeared sluggish and the laying pattern was not all it could be. I decided to introduce a new queen from British stock from an acknowledged breeder.
I have had a habit of leaning frames up against supers on the roof. Avoids putting the frames on the floor.
Having inspected the hive I was content: plenty of eggs, larvae and brood.
