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Author Topic: Happykeeper tubular floor and similar  (Read 2087 times)

Offline charentejohn

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Happykeeper tubular floor and similar
« on: October 03, 2020, 09:23:50 am »
I saw a couple of previous discussions on this but some time ago. I have two warres with the Happykeeper floor, seems ok so far as very clean.  I did have to modify it though https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z4KDgK9d8YoNg8HU9  Basically the tubes let in too much light, ignore the main photos, ones at the end show a view of the inside https://photos.app.goo.gl/D4K2h2TgcDMvQiGZA

For my hive 30x30cm interior 8 frame hive the 3mm wide gaps between the tubes means the equivalent of an open floor area of about 80sq/cm (9x9xm) or 12sq".  Basically 12% of the floor is actually open.
I will be leaving them on in winter as they recommend.  Windy and cold but not severe here in central france.

Just something for people to think about.
Happykeeper info here, stores are selling them now http://www.happykeeper.fr/home.html  not convinced by the cure for varroa claim but it helps.
They have a new idea of just a sheet that has the same curve and slots setup to replace screen in a bottom board. http://www.happykeeper.fr/similitubes-en.html seems to have some limitations re fitting and does not have the lower curve but cheap and quick fix for a manky floor.

I would guess the round tubes disrupt the air so it doesen't blow upwards into the hive.   The entrance is 8mm high which suits me here as limits access for hornets and easily just narrowed.

Dave cushman had a version ages ago http://www.dave-cushman.net/bee/cushmanfloor.html
You must be the change you want to see in the world - Mahatma Gandhi

Offline Bob Wilson

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Re: Happykeeper tubular floor and similar
« Reply #1 on: October 03, 2020, 04:13:30 pm »
Charentjohn. I would think small hive beetles would infest the hive.

Offline charentejohn

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Re: Happykeeper tubular floor and similar
« Reply #2 on: October 03, 2020, 07:18:34 pm »
Something I don't think we have, luckily as we have everything else  :sad: varroa and asian hornets.
Seems as ever SHB is on the way though https://ec.europa.eu/food/sites/food/files/animals/docs/reg-com_ahw_20180613_pres_sm-hv-btle_fra.pdf

I say don't think we have as keepers here say we don't but then again...  Time will tell.
I saw this to use if ever needed, looks to send them in a never ending loop looking for the entrance. https://guardianbhe.com/ 
Then again the tubes are polypropylene so ok for bees to walk on, watched them do it, but hard to fly up and under ?

You must be the change you want to see in the world - Mahatma Gandhi

Offline Bob Wilson

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Re: Happykeeper tubular floor and similar
« Reply #3 on: October 03, 2020, 07:24:12 pm »
Yes. I have a guardian entrance on one of mine. I am still comparing its effectiveness to the regular entrances.

Offline charentejohn

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Re: Happykeeper tubular floor and similar
« Reply #4 on: October 04, 2020, 10:44:57 am »
It looked a novel concept as I guess the SHB land and try to walk in but end up circling around.

The tubes are fine for the bees to walk on as they are on top, possible from below but not as easy.  To me they seem silky smooth, to a small insect they are probably like a tarmac road.  :smile: 
I have additional frames to add below which I put 6mm mesh on, to keep things out but give bees access for cleaning, currently not bothering.  These could be done again with a fine mesh to keep seasonal pests out, found this info that says weak colonies in summer and strong in winter is what they want. https://beeaware.org.au/archive-pest/small-hive-beetle/  If it becomes a problem I can fit a fine mesh just prior to winter and remove it later.  You can see the clip on mesh frame in the first lot of photos. 
You must be the change you want to see in the world - Mahatma Gandhi