Are some poly-hives better than others?

[fatshark]

Mine had holes until I decided to stuff them all with the pile of plugs bundled with the hives
It's a pity the plugs aren't as well painted as the hive bodies, which are commendably coated.
The crownboard is a thing of beauty (er, not). Does it really need 5 vented holes and 5 circular poly plugs to fill them? Surely one would be sufficient. Secondly, the poly plugs for the crownboard are too shallow and the bees build little columns of brace comb between the underside of the plug and the frame tops.

But ... in terms of finish and overall quality the Abelo hives seem pretty good. I'd use these and Swienty boxes in preference over any others I've seen or used.

 

[Beefriendly]

Does it really need 5 vented holes and 5 circular poly plugs to fill them? Surely one would be sufficient.

If you overwinter a couple of nucs above the queen excluder the 5 holes helps in allowing heat transfer. It's more common on the continent than over here. I just tape the plugs in position and to date have no problem with them propolising the vents nor in drawing brace comb down to the frame tops. It might be a property of the strain of bees you are using.
I understand the crownboard design is changing to accommodate the British perception of what a crown board should be....Don't buy a Dadant from Lyson, they have vents in the roof

 

[GavB]

When using the poly nuc boxes has anyone got any preference over which they prefer and for what reason? I've seen a few different designs and some with feeders built in???

 

[Karsal]

When using the poly nuc boxes has anyone got any preference over which they prefer and for what reason? I've seen a few different designs and some with feeders built in???

Paynes poly nucs with the feeder cut out making it an eight frame. Great swarm catcher, brood boxes and supers also available.

 

[Quis Custodiet]

When using the poly nuc boxes has anyone got any preference over which they prefer and for what reason? I've seen a few different designs and some with feeders built in???

Honey Paw from Finland are among the best I have seen, followed closely by Paradise honey from the same country.

 

[tidymeup]

As other have said honey paw for langstroth hives are excellent, I have quite a few of them now and there excellent.

This year I have used the pollen traps to collect pollen for queen rearing and to make my own pollen patties next spring.