Weight of hive to estimate stores

[BeeJayBee]

This all seems a bit complicated, just place your hive tool between the brood box and floor and push down, common sense will tell you that the more pressure you need on the hive tool to lift the box the more stores you have.

That's until you realise the hive you're trying to lift is still strapped to its' nice, heavy, stand!

 

[REDWOOD]

Err, I never thought of that because I never use hive straps, is it a poly thing!!
If it is a poly then just lift the whole thing, don't forget to bend the knees and not you'r back, if you want a demo on how it's done ask a child to pick something up as they do it right, we tend to get lazy habits with age and don't forget the risk assessment bit

 

[BeeJayBee]

No, it's not just poly, I know people with wooden hives who routinely strap them to the stand. They claim it's because deer are daft enough to try to scratch themselves on a the corner of a metal lid.

 

[REDWOOD]

Edit....... remove hive strap ................ditto BINGO

 

[Dishmop]

With respect to estimating stores is looking inside really any better?

If you were looking, frame by frame, then you wouldnt be estimating what was there.

 

[itma]

If you were looking, frame by frame, then you wouldnt be estimating what was there.

My suggestion is that folks should be hefting or weighing and comparing what they feel/measure with what they see.
That way, later on, when your hive is getting lighter, you can have a mental image of how much remaining stores that feel represents.

This comparison has to be started early enough, while you are still inspecting!

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

My suggestion is that folks should be hefting or weighing and comparing what they feel/measure with what they see.
That way, later on, when your hive is getting lighter, you can have a mental image of how much remaining stores that feel represents.

This comparison has to be started early enough, while you are still inspecting!

What you need is to keep a few empty hives around the apiary for comparison.
Oh dear! in the interests of bee welfare better order some more kit in readiness for the winter. Anyone know of any sales on?

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

JBM, you are an inspiration!

You should run a Masterclass in dissimulation in the apiary setting.

Dusty

 

[alldigging]

What you need is to keep a few empty hives around the apiary for comparison.
Oh dear! in the interests of bee welfare better order some more kit in readiness for the winter. Anyone know of any sales on?

Shh! You bad man!
I am not looking at sales. No no no.

 

[MuswellMetro]

Looking at past records the biggest variation I have had was 4.25kg (over 9lbs) but that was in mid February - all the bees and the remaining stores were all in the RHS of the hive.

As Davelin said if you feed a hive in winter configuration of -OMF Brood box Solid cover board and roof - to weigh between 30kg (single National) and 40kg (14 x 12 and Commercial) they will over winter just fine. I weigh weekly from early February when the queen (usually) starts laying again. As soon as the hive has brood to feed the weight can drop very quickly if the weather prevents foraging.

Also I assume it depends on race of bees and climate and depth of roof

i weigh one side only from a screw in the back of the floor and try to get my cedar BS National 20kg( ie 40kg total) and 14x12 30kg (60kg Total), still trying to work out what a polyhive needs as last year we had to much stores left in spring on the polys, currently i have them ranging from 12kg to 25kg (single side) so 24kg -50kg (total)