Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: leechmann on March 03, 2009, 08:18:36 pm

Title: Solar Hive ventilators
Post by: leechmann on March 03, 2009, 08:18:36 pm

Anyone ever try the hive ventilators? Wondering what you thought of them and if they are a good idea?

Title: Re: Solar Hive ventilators
Post by: indypartridge on March 04, 2009, 07:28:02 am

Using a stick to prop open the top a bit is far less expensive!

Title: Re: Solar Hive ventilators
Post by: Robo on March 04, 2009, 08:39:33 am

They are way too expensive for a cheap guy like me.

Many years ago I tried my own version and wasn't very impressed
(http://bushkillfarms.com/photos/d/576-3/DCP_0005_001.jpg)


A vent box like the DE Hive uses over the inner cover works just as well and is much more reliable :-D
(http://bushkillfarms.com/photos/d/384-3/ventilationbox.jpg)

Or a couple of sticks like indy suggests is a simple but fine solution as well.
(http://bushkillfarms.com/photos/d/675-3/ventedcover.jpg)

Title: Re: Solar Hive ventilators
Post by: bassman1977 on March 04, 2009, 12:19:18 pm

Mr. Bush has this on his website.

http://bushfarms.com/beesfaqs.htm#electricfan

Title: Re: Solar Hive ventilators
Post by: leechmann on March 04, 2009, 03:02:16 pm

Ok, thanks for the ideas. I like the vented top box too. I was just a little curious if anyone had tried one of the new solar ventilators.

Thanks everyone,

Leechmann

Title: Re: Solar Hive ventilators
Post by: MBrowne on March 05, 2009, 01:13:17 am

I made a few to try. Have temperature switches and all. The big issue I found is that if the fan starts making any noise or vibrations, it drives the bees crazy.

(http://www.hivebuilder.com/custom/images/P1010020.JPG)

Title: Re: Solar Hive ventilators
Post by: jdpro5010 on March 05, 2009, 02:09:26 pm

I never thought of the noise or vibration!  That would make for an interesting next inspection of the girls!