New Hive

We are getting new bees in a few days from Ruhl Bee Supply in Gladstone. We originally ordered them to supplement our hive that didn't do well after the move. We had several options as far as combining, moving, but we decided to give them their own new hive. I think our weak hive is healthy as far as disease, their numbers just got knocked way down. So we decided to let them bounce back on their own. Last night we built the westerns and a nuc box we got last year. The nuc box is good for a recently caught swarm or a small hive. I didn't get any pictures of it, but it's basically just a small hive that holds 5 frames.
The westerns come in 4 pieces. Aaron uses wood glue (Gorilla brand - it's non-toxic) around the dove tails.


Then fits the corners together


Pounds them in place with a hammer, or his hands.


Pre-drills holes in each dove tail


Then nails them together.


That's it, easy! Building the frames is a bit more involved and tedious. We have enough for these new bees, but will have to make a bunch more soon once the bees get going. There are finally flowers open here, we are 2-3 weeks behind the valley, but it's cold and rainy, so no bees going out. I hope the weather clears up soon, it's not good for the trees or the bees when the flowers get washed away by rain before they can be pollinated.

My painting project for the day!