Colapsible swarm box

[Rosti]

I thought I'd post info on this because having now used it in a real situation it seemed to work well and may be a useful option for others who leave a kit in the boot. I leave a swarm kit in the car but the obligatory cardboard box plus a brood box, floor, crown etc takes up too much room. I needed a compact and light weight solution. I aimed for:
1. stores flat
2. act as a collection box
3. act as a collection/transfer tray
4. could double at a push for over night accomodation with closeable/ adjustable entrance.
5. takes a full compliment (11) 14x12 frames as a needs must extra hive
The thing is made from 6mm lite-ply, glued and pinned, plus 5m retainer butterflys; slots together and the roof doubles as a catchment tray.

Todays swarm was at 8ft in an oak tree, branch lopped from a step ladder, carried down and shaken into the box, so didn't really test out all the options I wanted to build in. Critically the box base it light enough to hold in one hand up a ladder with what was a moderate swarm in it.

 

[DarynWebb]

This is real nice , I want one! you may want to add a travel screen?

 

[Brian Bush]

Hi
Do you have plans for cutting and making? Did you buy from somewhere?

 

[Rosti]

Daryn, not obvious from the pics but I have a double ring on 3mm holes on the two flat sides just below the lid line and the lid itself has loads of 3mm holes (hidden within the writing). Have not used it for a long distance piece of travel, but, yes for more than a few miles then you are right - possible that ventilation may need boosting.

Brian, plans, I have them on a back of a *** packet! I resolved the interlock probs as I went along. Can write up if there is geniune interest, let me know. R

 

[Tim1606]

I would certainly be interested as I carry a lot of stuff on my travels. This seems ideal.

 

[justme]

Hi Rosti, Very intersted here, if plans available I would like a set:.)

Di:.)

 

[steve1958]

Thats clever.
I think the plans would be well used

 

[tkwinston4]

I wouldn't be able to make one but would be interested in buying one at the right price

 

[Gardenbees]

Can write up if there is geniune interest, let me know. R

Yes please! This looks great, especially for a year like this one: so many swarms, all kit used up, and I'm unwilling to buy any more space-consuming boxes as they will mostly just stay in storage (until we get another 70F April!).

Btw, like the bottom photo of the "rear gunners" fanning bees into the box - I guess that counts as a seal of approval!

 

[Tim1606]

Could also be used as a bait hive, seeing as they are only in use a few months of the year.

Would take up little space during the winter.