Marking/branding hives

[Stedic]

I've been told by just about everyone that I should mark/brand/initial all of my hives to reduce the risk of theft. I'm not entirely convinced that anything would deter a thief who wanted the bees and the kit isn't new so of little value.

Despite my reservations I'd like to mark them in some way. How do you do it? I'm not mad keen on buying a branding iron and I don't think I could make one. I wondered about buying a cheap wood engraving kit, around £10, and marking the boxes somewhere using that.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

I've been told by just about everyone that I should mark/brand/initial all of my hives to reduce the risk of theft. I'm not entirely convinced that anything would deter a thief who wanted the bees and the kit isn't new so of little value.

Despite my reservations I'd like to mark them in some way. How do you do it? I'm not mad keen on buying a branding iron and I don't think I could make one. I wondered about buying a cheap wood engraving kit, around £10, and marking the boxes somewhere using that.

Some police forces will supply uv marker pens.

 

[Marton]

I use a steak brand from fleabay. Comes with full alphabet, but no numbers. Heat in the BBQ or blow lamp.

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fashion-DI...on-Funny-Letters-Name-Equipment-/132357114466.


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[Hivemaker.]

I use a steak brand from fleabay. Comes with full alphabet, but no numbers. Heat in the BBQ or blow lamp.

Good heavens, never seen things like that for branding steak before, once cooked I wouldn't of thought a steak would hang around long enough to be stolen.

 

[Anduril]

Good heavens, never seen things like that for branding steak before, once cooked I wouldn't of thought a steak would hang around long enough to be stolen.

As Dick Emery's character Mandy would say "Oh you are awful, but I like you".

 

[TooBee...]

I use a steak brand from fleabay. Comes with full alphabet, but no numbers. Heat in the BBQ or blow lamp.

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fashion-DI...on-Funny-Letters-Name-Equipment-/132357114466.


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I've seen everything now, until next time that is...

what about using a hand held router, I think you can get an attachment for a small Dremel type tool, then you buy router bits, a lot of cool videos on YouTube. You could maybe go down the expensive route of buying a Tracker and hide it somewhere in the wooden structure?

Did a quick search and found this,
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Security-1...F8&qid=1513475115&sr=8-3&keywords=gps+tracker

but I would say a bit pricey at £40.00, maybe worthwhile in one hive?

Or maybe put a sticker like this on them instead?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Self-Adhes...13475400&sr=8-70&keywords=gps+tracker+sticker

 

[Marton]

Good heavens, never seen things like that for branding steak before, once cooked I wouldn't of thought a steak would hang around long enough to be stolen.

Quite agree. I assumed it is a transatlantic or antipodean idea.


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[Millet]

Personally i think branding for security purposes is a waste of time, a bit of wood filler and paint would quickly hide any marked boxes.

After recent events when some nugget tried to push one of my hives over this is getting placed in the area today, it is wireless and linked to a mobile phone and the internet,as soon as it is activated it instantly emails a video to my computer and phone so even if it is stolen i still have footage of the perpetrator.

 

[drex]

I do not play golf so know nothing about golf clubs. I bought one with a big brass head for 50p. Using a file and drill I have formed my initials on this. Heat it in the ashes of bonfire and have branded all my hive parts. Was not going to pay Thrones prices for branding iron.

 

[pargyle]

Good heavens, never seen things like that for branding steak before, once cooked I wouldn't of thought a steak would hang around long enough to be stolen.

If you don't put your name on food in our house someone else will eat it !!

 

[For want of a better word]

Personally i think branding for security purposes is a waste of time, a bit of wood filler and paint would quickly hide any marked boxes.

After recent events when some nugget tried to push one of my hives over this is getting placed in the area today, it is wireless and linked to a mobile phone and the internet,as soon as it is activated it instantly emails a video to my computer and phone so even if it is stolen i still have footage of the perpetrator.

Acquaintance in Devon had a similar problem with a bunch of pikeys stealing supers!.... then they stole the stealth camera!
Solution was to hide a camera in an empty hive..... apparently Ol Plod caught the perpetrators as he had his name on his beesuit!

This was a couple of years back... he has had no problems since!

Also....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wktg3HEQu_4
Nadelik Lowen