4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Daphne]

Most of the most experienced members of our BKA are all male, but at meetings/events the turnout is about 70% men/30% women. Amongst the younger members its 60%/40%.

[Fabbee Lady]

Have read all your comments with interest. Sorry for the apparently sexist remark about blow torches. Most of the older members in my local group are men who do seem a bit set in their ways but my mentor is an older woman who has been beekeeping for 23 yrs. Following on from that I am an older woman, but I hope open to new developments in all walks of life. I was pleased to hear about the older lady turning to Dartingtons as that was the other hive I was interested in. We have one enthusiast in our Assn. and he is being v. helpful and encouraging. I still cannot make up my mind. As it has been pointed out plastic cannot be mended, how often do beehives get broken? I have had some rather sarcastic remarks on another site from longtime and commercial beekeepers about anyone buying a Bee Haus only following fashion and not being really serious which I rather resented. Anyway will keep searching for info. I cannot dither for ever!!

[Olly]

I can't speak for the Beehaus itself as I don't have one, but I do know that when the Eglu came out it was the subject of similar negative views.

 

'The chickens will get too hot/their feet will be deformed from the roosting bars/it will encourage the breeding of mites', for example - all of which we know are not true. It is still the case that Eglu and Cube owners are accused sometimes of being 'fashion victims' or having more money than sense.

 

While a wooden hive might come apart or suffer damage if it got knocked over or dropped for any reason (hopefully not with bees in it!), because of it's construction the Beehaus is unlikely to do so. You also won't get woodpecker damage on it. One of our members lost a colony due to this recently.

[Lesley]

I gave up defending the Eglu against comments made by people who had never even seen an Eglu let alone used one - same with the Beehaus. I only go to the beekeeping sites to read now - plenty of good advice and tips to read but I won't post on them.

[Guest]

Lesley,

 

..same with the Beehaus.

 

Sorry, but I was under the impression (can't remember why) that your hive was not a beehaus? Is this true or what?

 

I knew what it (the beehaus) was while many were shouting about it being something entirely different. I knew, before I got mine, that there were a few things I would want/need to change, before being satisfied with it as a beetainer.

 

I have been more than satisfied with Omlette after approaching them about a problem I experienced with my example. The response I received was admirable and I am fully satisfied with the outcome.

 

There are still things which will be altered before bees are installed. Some of which will be just to satisfy my preferences perhaps, but changed nevertheless.

 

So, I may not have bees in one but the operation is basically the same as the Dartingtons I am used to. Those, too, have been altered slightly to accommodate my beekeeping style. I feel they complement my jumbo Nationals and might be the ones I would choose to keep, if I were to run just two colonies, and only in my garden (little chance of that at the present time!).

 

I have not yet really advanced past my 'first impressions' comparison yet, but I may well let you all know when it is actually colonised - after some (necessary, IMO) modifications of which I am not yet decided on the best (most efficient) way to modify. After all, I have only been keeping bees about ten years so there is still a lot to learn! Coming up to 4 months ownership of this new-design item is only a very short part of the expected life-span, so no real rush. Better to get it right before putting it into use. I suppose the 'rule of tens' applies the same as usual, regarding required modifications at the various points between design and operation.

 

Regards, RAB

[Christian]

Lesley,

 

..same with the Beehaus.

 

Sorry, but I was under the impression (can't remember why) that your hive was not a beehaus? Is this true or what?

 

 

I think that Lesley is referring to the fact that she doesn't defend the Beehaus as some are too blinkered/set in their ways, to listen. She is not having a pop at the Beehaus!

[Daphne]

RAB - I don't think Lesley has a Beehaus, she was just making the point that there has been a lot of anti-Beehaus comment. Some of it was not, to put it mildly, very constructive, and much of it was made at the time when "Ooops, word censored!"ody had a Beehaus. The same thing happened when the Eglu was launched - she is a very long standing owner of these. I think we are all looking forward to some experienced-based critiques of the Beehaus in the following months and seasons.

[Guest]

She is not having a pop at the Beehaus!

 

I certainly wasn't suggesting she was taking a 'pop' at anything. Was just enquiring of the lady as to her hive type as my post should have indicated quite clearly, and her's was not clear to me on that point. Clarity, clarification and all that sort of thing.

 

I purchased my example with a view to checking it out and likely moving it on to a new beek, with bees in it.

 

Might have changed my mind now and much more likely to colonise it and compare it with my Dartingtons over the next few seasons. At least all my frames are similar.

 

That is why I am going to try a polyhive too. Saw part of a two pallet order of 'Modern Beekeeping' polyhives yesterday and was quite impressed with the quality. Shame they were Langstroth, or I would have done a deal for one! Might still, yet.

 

Regards, RAB

[Christian]

Clearly a mix up then. My mistake. It sounded like you were asking Lesley what kind of hive she has, having mentioned the beehaus and not defending it? Wooden. Box shape. In pastel colours. There, now you know the extend of my bee keeping experience.

 

 

 

If you need to quote someone RAB, just click on quote in the post and it will open up a reply screen. You can then delete what you don't need and fill in the rest of your post underneath.

 

Always happy to help.

[Fabbee Lady]

Thanks everyone for your replies to my enquiry about Bee Haus. I have come to the conclusion that, as it is so new and untested, I would be better to choose another design.

I have been interested in bees since childhood holidays with a beekeeping Uncle and Aunt.

A few years ago I decided there were some things I wanted to do while I still had health and strength to do them and,( in the case of the computer), the brains to get started.

Having managed to find out how to do what I want on the computer the next thing is bees, which I hope to start this year, and next year a visit to a patchwork and quilting exhibition in USA. Then I can begin on a contented old age doing patchwork when it is raining and enjoying learning more and more about my bees when the weather is good.

[Lesley]

Lesley,

 

..same with the Beehaus.

 

Sorry, but I was under the impression (can't remember why) that your hive was not a beehaus? Is this true or what?

 

"Same with the beehaus" in that I stopped defending it or trying to explain anything, partly because I don't have a beehaus, partly because I don't have the experience and partly because a lot of people seemed to have made up their minds and appeared to find it difficult to be civil!

[Guest]

That word 'civil'. If you are referring to the post dated and timed: Sun Aug 16, 2009 1:38 pm and perhaps a few prior to that, I think you will find that whatever ideas some people thought the beehaus to be, it was I (along with pdcambs and beesontoast) who were right all along the line. It may have taken some time and argument to sort it all out, but that is the bottom line. There is often far too much 'rubbish' posted by those who haven't a clue and also quite a few having a severe dislike of accepting the plain simple truth. QED on that thread.

RAB

[Egluntyne]

Could we keep this thread friendly please.

 

Back to discussing the Beehaus.

[Old Speckled Hen]

I think you'll find that an awful lot of beekeepers are suburban and most are quite friendly. There are a few, who are a little aggressive but hey, we should all be able to cope with that

Emma, don't let scary people put you off. You should join a local BKA where you will get personal one to one encouragment and not rely on forum information. I have, however, lurked on two other fora,under a different name, for nearly six months and have learned lots.

My first National is built from flat pack and converted to top bee space, I have posed in my new bee suit I have TWO courses booked and I am soooooooooooooo excited

As for the Beehaus, lets just wait and see.

[EmmaJC]

Ooops, my first post got deleted - wrong button mashed

 

Many thanks for the kind thoughts Old Speckled Hen, maybe it's something we'll investigate in years to come. We found the whole chicken keeping fraternity to be very kind and welcoming and I expected to find the bee keepers to be similar and was shocked into submission when I realised that it wasn't the case.

 

Maybe this forum is unique with the kind lovely people who are always so helpful

 

Good luck with the courses, let me know how you get on!

[v8landy]

I expected to find the bee keepers to be similar and was shocked into submission when I realised that it wasn't the case.

 

!

 

I am one of the younger keepers (30) been doing it now for 5 years, and yes they (beekeepers ) do not like change, but sometimes simply because if it is not broke don’t fix it! So you very quickly need to filter out all the "stuck in their ways" stuff and pick up on the important stuff the old blokes know (I use the word blokes because most of them are)

 

But then again most of the really old and irritating but also good keepers are not on forums, let alone even using a pc!

 

Omlet have been though all this with the eglu and cube, as a poultry keeper I follow both sides, and am now as a beehaus owner.

 

The beehaus can be seen in courses all over the country. See the courses section for one near you.

 

I could keep bees in an office filling cabinet and still get them to give me a honey crop, but then others would tut at that.

 

The beehaus is just another box, much of the shock and awe has died down from those that have not even seen one, but just the mere though of plastic turns them.

[Guest]

But then again most of the really old and irritating but also good keepers are not on forums, let alone even using a pc!

 

One presumes the converse to be true of the of the younger keepers who also can be likewise, irritating?

 

I am considering trying out one of the Apimaye Thermo hives to compare with the beehaus, Dartingtons, jumbo Nationals and maybe the WBCs. Just a shame it is really only available in Langstroth.

 

RAB

[Christian]

Enough now. Why is this forum so nasty to everyone??

 

We want to encourage bee keepers to this section of the forum, but why are there so many nasty comments all the time?

 

If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

[MedusA]

I agree that this area of the forum can be very scary at times, and I do sometimes worry what response I will get to my inexperienced comments.

 

That said, I have learned such a lot from the experienced beekeepers who post here, for which I am very grateful.

[Lewis]

Enough now. Why is this forum so nasty to everyone??

 

We want to encourage bee keepers to this section of the forum, but why are there so many nasty comments all the time?

 

If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

Totally agree Christian

Not that I have bees, just was interested, so always pop in to read + try to learn a bit - never post though.

 

I think some people (no-one specifically) can see things as a constant argument, read into things far too much always have to have the upper hand.

Always questioning things. Always on the defensive.

 

 

So yes, not always the most welcoming place for a newbie.

I'll go back to reading now

[Guest]

Hi Peeps Bees Rob has returned

 

Lots of life going on outside of Bees etc, including a holiday. However on the home front i have finally retired after a false start last year. But the chooks had to go due to mobility problems

I start by bees training at last with my local association next tuesday lasts for 20 weeks I think.

I plan to post another video soon as I have now I prepared the hive from its winter settings to a spring approach [blimey this does sound all military]. But i need to wait a few days as they were a bit upset yesterday.

By the way in spite of all my detractors of which there were many even on this web site, my galls have survived, although some what diminished. However it was the coldest winter for over 30 years so i should take some comfort over that.

I have also expanded my hives to accomodate this years growth, and have gone all plastic. I purchased a couple of plastic langstoth hives from a Uk company and from Germany I bought plastic frames and wax [its a bit messy getting the wax onto the frames but longer lasting] you also have to paint them inside and out. They currently sit at the top of the garden waiting for the new Nucs [May] or hopefully a wild swarm [extremely unlikely] or two.

The cost is well under that of my Omelet hive and i reckon i could support 4 more hives and still be ahead of the Omelet price. However thats not to say I don't support the use of an Omelet as it was the Omelet that got me interested in the first place.

 

Ok i thinks thats enough rambling

Bees rob

[v8landy]

Well done Rob, I knew you would be fine.

[Guest]

She is not having a pop at the Beehaus!

 

I certainly wasn't suggesting she was taking a 'pop' at anything. Was just enquiring of the lady as to her hive type as my post should have indicated quite clearly, and her's was not clear to me on that point. Clarity, clarification and all that sort of thing.

 

I purchased my example with a view to checking it out and likely moving it on to a new beek, with bees in it.

 

Might have changed my mind now and much more likely to colonise it and compare it with my Dartingtons over the next few seasons. At least all my frames are similar.

 

That is why I am going to try a polyhive too. Saw part of a two pallet order of 'Modern Beekeeping' polyhives yesterday and was quite impressed with the quality. Shame they were Langstroth, or I would have done a deal for one! Might still, yet.

 

Regards, RAB

 

 

I got my plastic hives from Modern beekeeping, took all of 5 mins to assemble them and a couple of days to paint them. At present John only has the super size plastic frame, which is why I went to Germany for my Brood frames along with the wax as the price of organic wax was about 30% of the Uk equivalent.

I can't see a problem with this or any other hive to be honest. Like the idea of using a filing cabinet. Moreover in Sri Lanka [which is where I went for my holiday] they use baskets and hollowed out tree branches in fact anything which encourages bees to collocate and populate.