Flow hive video

[alldigging]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QCWFWWe3Co

bees appearing where maybe you didn't expect to see them.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Chew chew chew. My bees make that sound chewing Paynes boxes.
Did you notice where this guy lives, alldigging ?
I was drawn to another post. Why is YouTube full of angst ridden confessions of stuff gone wrong? Aren't there enough priests to go round? Why do folk have to expose themselves publicly?

 

[wessexmario]

Has he thought this through?...

Frederick Dunn1 week ago:
Flow Hive recommends and includes queen excluders. I personally never use Queen Excluders in any of my hives.

 

[madasafish]

? Aren't there enough priests to go round? Why do folk have to expose themselves publicly?

You mean like go on the Jeremy Kyle show?

At least I think that's what you meant.. The other meaning is worthy of jail.

 

[Erichalfbee]

You mean like go on the Jeremy Kyle show?

At least I think that's what you meant.. The other meaning is worthy of jail.

 

[alldigging]

Another one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOwxxLUsD64


Do the flow hive instructions not suggest using wired foundation in the brood nest?

 

[castanea]

Hi
The instructions say they prefer to go foundationless, but you can use foundation or plastic frames. The choice is yours.

 

[Tremyfro]

Well...he certainly didn't fit his hive together very well. The bees should not be able to access the back of the flow frames. They fit closely together and should rest on the metal strip preventing bees getting through.

 

[For want of a better word]

Did you notice where this guy lives

Cloud Cuckoo Land maybe??

Nos da

 

[Motobiman]

Well...he certainly didn't fit his hive together very well. The bees should not be able to access the back of the flow frames. They fit closely together and should rest on the metal strip preventing bees getting through.

A lady bought one to our BKA apiary for us to see and the woodwork fits appeared pretty poor.

Good lesson in the video about handling foundationless frames though.

Wonder what the temperature was as the comb seemed very flexible, but was that insulation around the hive?

 

[Tremyfro]

People do what they want or hear about. There is a strong faction which advocates natural built comb instead of foundation. The thoughts are all about not introducing chemicals into the hive, allowing the bees to build their own size cells etc.
I haven't read anywhere that the Flow people recommend either way. They provide frames for the hive and include wooden strips for those who want to go foundationless.
Although, the Flow team have offered advice and are running a series of videos about beekeeping...I don't think it is incumbent upon them to instruct new beekeepers. New beekeepers usually contact local associations and attend courses and in that way have a chance to experience beekeeping. There are always some people who can't or don't do a course nor have a mentor.
I think most people have experienced foundationless comb and found out for themselves just how fragile it is. Seeing this chaps video does serve a purpose in that it might reach other new beekeepers contemplating foundationless and serve as a timely warning about how to handle it.
I must admit I was holding my breath as he lifted the frame and you could see the bees swinging!
NB...Motobiman.....there is nothing wrong with my Flow hive...joints are tight and no gaps. Wood varies and usually requires some adjustments for exact fit. I ordered a brood box from another company and it took 3 replacements until even one of them was any good.

 

[Finman]

.
Mikael Bush is on Flow Forum offering his natural comb advices. What a pity to beginners. Further more, advices how to do nothing with varroa.

But life teaches, how easy is beekeeping.
.
.

 

[BeeJayBee]

Hi
The instructions say they prefer to go foundationless, but you can use foundation or plastic frames. The choice is yours.

There's nothing wrong with foundationless frames, but if beekeepers are using Langstroths their frames need to be strengthened with either wire or fishing line otherwise it's likely that new comb will fall out.

 

[einsteinagogo]

Another one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOwxxLUsD64


Do the flow hive instructions not suggest using wired foundation in the brood nest?

That's going to be bookmarked for Beginner Training Sessions with advantages of wires!

 

[Finman]

There's nothing wrong with foundationless frames, but if beekeepers are using Langstroths their frames need to be strengthened with either wire or fishing line otherwise it's likely that new comb will fall out.

Nothing wrong but 150 years back in beekeeping

Very expencive. Reduced yield.

High amount of drones. Reduces amount of workers. Reduces yield.
.

 

[Karol]

When you harvest Tremyfro be prepared for honey leaking into your hives and the natural consequences of this including becoming an irresistible attractant to wasps.

 

[Motobiman]

#11
Only commenting on what I saw and I have bought frames that were frankly firewood.

 

[madasafish]

There's nothing wrong with foundationless frames, but if beekeepers are using Langstroths their frames need to be strengthened with either wire or fishing line otherwise it's likely that new comb will fall out.

I had TBHs and tried foundationless in Langs. I am now recycling out all my foundationless combs and replacing with foundation.
Yes the foundationless are wired.

But there are combs started at either end not meeting in the middle Lots of hiding places for queens, QCs etc..
Combs unattached at one side or the end making rotations interesting.
etc.


Unless you have strong and consistent honeyflows - which we locally do not have - a pia.

And bees do not rework older comb so faults are not rectified - so stuck with them.

Too much hassle..

All I can say having tried to go down the "natural beekeeping" route is it may work in Devon or other temperate climes. It works badly here.

(Or maybe I am incompetent - take your pick)

 

[Tremyfro]

#11
Only commenting on what I saw and I have bought frames that were frankly firewood.

Yes I realise what you meant ...I was just letting you know that my hive was fine. Wood is very variable. I do prefer poly or my beehaus.
Thanks for the reminder Karol. I will be careful but unless we get a flow...any kind of flow...nectar would be good....I think it is unlikely that there will be any harvesting. This is not peculiar to the Flow hive but none of my colonies are storing much ATM....sadly. I think wasps will avoid my Bee Yard this year it would be worth their trouble!
However, I was pleased to see the bees have been working the cells in the flow frames and have sealed up a goodly amount in all the frames.

 

[Karol]

One question Tremyfro, when you do eventually harvest, what happens to all the torn and broken cappings? What's the bio-economic cost to the bees?