A bee-utiful bee box for a hive

Step 1

We went to the Habitat for Humanity restore and bought an old drawer for $5.00, and two recycled paint cans for $.99 each.

Comments

[spike3579]

That was very clever to use an old drawer for the box. Great idea!
A hive with no bees will never do!   Here are some resources to get your hive populated:
Sometimes you can find someone who has a swarm on craigslist. (swarming bees are actually super easy to handle)
The Bee Guardians also remove swarms and help people who keep bees.  They may have someone in your area.
If you want to spend some money I buy my bees from Ruth at Wolf Creek bees. They raise small cell bees i.e. their natural size.
 Michael Bush is a great resource for top bar beekeepers as is Les Crowder. (he'll even answer your questions directly)
Finally, there is the organic beekeepers forum on Yahoo.
Good Luck

[tuxedo1954]

wow!..you guys did a great job in building this bee home..i am sure if one bee inspects these fine accommodations she will tell all her friends and you will have a full house

[Molinos]

Have you been able to get any Bees as of yet?

[Devrimm]

Hi!

Yes! Bees can make their own frames but, they stick all together. If YOU don't organize, then, when harvesting, you have to see you are killing a lot of bees with wet eyes. Loves.

Devrim

[farzadbayan]

I think it's better for this instructables , you clear yellow highlights .

[The Dark Ninja]

I agree, the yellow hurts the eyes! ^_^

[KJenkinsAF]

Is the purpose to make a nice house for the bees or to collect honey? Or both? If not, why not?

[Purocuyu]

will the bees still make straight combs with only a top bar? I have only seen bee boxes with full frames. is this your idea, or have you seen it done before? Either way, I think it is a nice idea. and the stars are a nice finishing touch.

[tjchalk]

This technique is called a "top bar" hive. The alternative, with the full rectangular frame is called Langstroth. I certainly did not make up the top bar approach. It is the more earth-loving, holistic approach to bee keeping. The bees will form their own comb in a natural circular shape.