UPDATE: I ordered the Ulster-style observation hive from Mann Lake. It is on page 132 of their 2015 catalog. The description in the catalog was vague on a few points, so I called with a few questions. The catalog said nothing about whether the bottom board was screened. I was informed it was. I then asked whether there was some provision for closing that off, ie: a sliding board that could be put in to close the bottom. I was told there was but it was plastic. I was fine with that as many of my screened bottom boards use corrugated plastic inserts to close them off. I also asked if there was a queen excluder between the hive body and the observation deck. I was told that there was NOT one but I could buy one and cut it to fit. That was a disappointment, but I decided to order it anyway.
So, the observation hive came in today via FedEx. I'd ordered it on Friday, so I am pleased with the shipping. I am not so pleased with the unit, itself. Following are some of the issues I have with this box, in no particular order.
First, on the PLUS side of the equation, the lady lied to me about the queen excluder. There is one in there and I am happy about that. Also, the wood was nice with a nice grain and was mostly well put-together. It seems to be very sturdy. However, overall the unit seems to have been hastily built and shoved out the door. There a several glaring negatives.
First thing I noticed was that the box was built with rabbets, rather than box joints as the catalog clearly shows. I know some people prefer the rabbets but I much prefer the box joints. The catalog shows box joints and that is what I expected. Didn't happen.
Second, the observation deck does not sit square on the hive body. I couple of the hasps are going to have to be adjusted to fix that, I think.
Third, after the builder did the final sanding, he didn't even bother to wipe off the sawdust. Come on, they can't take a couple minutes with a damp rag and clean the product before it is sent out?
Fourth, there were no handles cut into the side of the box as clearly shown in the catalog. This is going to make it difficult to carry. The observation deck, when latched down, can be used as a handle but I'd hate to rely on that when the thing is full of frames and bees.
Fifth, there are two pieces of wood that are screwed into the unit at the top to hold the plexiglass in place. There is supposed to be a screw at each end of each piece. One of the pieces had a screw missing. The pilot hole was there but there was no screw. This is not a major issue but, like the dust issue, should have been caught by quality control before being sent from manufacturing to the warehouse.
Sixth, .... Remember that corrugated plastic I was told could be used to close off the bottom? Well, it IS there but on the UNDERSIDE of the unit. Yes, it has to be snapped into place from UNDERNEATH the unit. It cannot be slid into the slot. So, picture this....The hive is full of bees and the observation deck is on. It is getting hot in the display area of the county fair and the hive has to be tipped up in order to remove the board. Then tipped back up to replace it. Honestly, that makes the thing seem useless to me, unless there is some technique to doing this that I haven't thought of, yet.
I've ordered a lot of stuff from Mann Lake in the past and likely will continue to do so as I've had no problems all, including quality, until now. I am hoping this particular item is just an anomaly. The only thing sloppier than manufacturing of this hive was the quality control.
Topic: Ulster Observation Hives (Read 4551 times)