Bull - no other word for that, unfounded untruths to gull the gullible to put it another way
Some people might agree others not. So try it?This looks really interesting (as someone with a crap back. But more so the following statement on the website:
The ZEST hive by its design has proven to be functionally free of varroa, nosema and acarine.
Any thoughts or comments because frankly being varroa etc free is very inviting?
I’d really try and find the guy if possible and have a chat, also involve your friend in design. Lifting frames out a box can be difficult getting the height for clearance. Also range of movements to lean over will vary from individual and that may affect any choices(height) lower may involve more leaning out. I’d stay well clear of top bar alone! I’ve had a good few long style over the years and they do require feeding in of frames to avoid swarming as prolific bees hit a honey wall fast.
unless you locate the entrance at one end, then they will put all the stores behind
This comes to mind with more than one post on hereI think when people make comments like that they should provide access to all the relevant research so it can be properly assessed, otherwise it's a statement of no real value. If you don't have sufficient confidence in the research to publish then you don't have any business making such claims in my view.
I notice the website is showing pictures of open feeding on the photos page which is a little concerning, and if those are lightweight cement blocks wrapped around the hives then I know what happens to those when they get soaked by heavy rain and then freeze and it's not helpful
James
the Dartington used 14x12 frames and used half sized supers for ease of lifting
Glad i was suspicious then!The hive won’t have anything to with how disease free the colony is, the zest hives a bit of a cobbled together joke. If nothing else it proves bees will live in anything
oh well on with the crap back and heavy lifting.Ah yes - standard super frames. I'd forgotten the 14x12 bit.
Actually ... it's reached the stage of becoming a modern classic and is now worth more than I paid for it ... nto many useable vehicles you can say that about !
I'm not that bothered about whether the Zest hive contributes tothe bees health or resistance to varroa but what I do like is the fact that it is made from lightweight, easily obtained materials that are incredibly good insulators. Can be built by a moron in a few hours and could be easily adapted to take any size frames you desire. Set aside any prejudice caused by his comments about bee health and varroa and it's a really good idea for a static long hive.The hive won’t have anything to with how disease free the colony is, the zest hives a bit of a cobbled together joke. If nothing else it proves bees will live in anything
No the blocks are not cement blocks - he recommends a particular lightweight block that has huge amounts of air in them ... I asked the question of him and apparently moisture penetration is not a problem.I think when people make comments like that they should provide access to all the relevant research so it can be properly assessed, otherwise it's a statement of no real value. If you don't have sufficient confidence in the research to publish then you don't have any business making such claims in my view.
I notice the website is showing pictures of open feeding on the photos page which is a little concerning, and if those are lightweight cement blocks wrapped around the hives then I know what happens to those when they get soaked by heavy rain and then freeze and it's not helpful
James
The difference is mine will continue to hold it's price ....
I can guarantee they are effectively like a sponge!
unfortunately I fear that it's that kind of beekeeper we all dread
I think you are wrong but even if the exteral surface absorbs some moisture it's not going to penetrate all the way through and would they use them for foundations and external skinnig of thermally efficient homes if they did not perform.
Sadly, the real morons are those beekeepers who just buy an off the shelf starter kit, chuck some bees in it and then think about what they are doing ... the ability to construct something does actually elevate a prospective beekeeper to slightly above the moronic level .... But you knew that ... just finding something to dislike in an off the wall way of keeping bees. My view ... it's a well insuated hive ... my personal and long term experience of well insulated long hives is that bees love them. If it also meets the requirement of the beekeeper then there's nothing to hate. The bloke even has plans on his site now for a Zest hive constructed to take national frames so he's obviously open minded.
