My experimental log hive

[Occam]

So I thought I would share my log hive with y'all. A few pics have been seen in another thread but I though I'd share a few more as it was an experimental hive and seems to fit the forum here.


Log as it was when I had it roughly hollowed out, chainsaw work basically complete




Some dimensions of the interior

[Occam]

A frame for putting inner cover planks over the frames


Roof attached


Roof raised for inspection, chains prevent it from opening too far

[Occam]

Frames as I originally built them. I later ended up adding 3/8th" dowels on the ends vertically and used some coat hangers to enable me to add comb from frames


Move in day. The frames obviously weren't Lang frames so I had to cut the Foundations and hang them into my frames


A better view of how the modified coat hangers helped

[Occam]

These last ones are the swarm that another beek caught and didn't have place for. They'd been in the trap for over a month and got creative with their comb

[Ben Framed]

Your imagination and craftsmanship has produced a unique set up and conversation piece. Thanks for posting.

Phillip

[Occam]

Thanks Philip! It's certainly not an easy hive as far as maintenance goes, nor does it have parts that area easily transferred to another hive. But it's walls are pretty thick and rhe bees seemingly are doing well in there and that's the more immigrant thing. Will i do another? Not for a while at least, I've got to many other projects on the homestead right now.

[The15thMember]

This is so awesome!  I'd be curious to hear how these bees do compared to your more standard hives.  My hypothesis is they may do better.