Inner Covers and Notches...

I've been watching a hive that belongs to one of our new members whose vacation coincided with our bee package delivery. This was my first time working with someone else's set up, so it was nice to see some of the differences in hive set- up, from major to subtle. One of the things I noticed was the absence of a notch in the inner cover. My bees use their inner cover notches quite regularly as second exits/entrances, so I thought this was important enough to mention to the vacationing beekeeper. I'm glad I did. Because this is his first hive, he did not immediately notice the notch was missing, and it was not intentional. Upon discussing this with some other new members in class last week, it turns out there were a few other people who received notch-less inner covers. The offending covers came from multiple sources, beekeeping supply companies and local woodworkers. So to make this long story short... New beekeepers, check your inner covers. If your inner cover does not have a notch like the one pictured here, you may want to make one, or have one made. They provide for better ventilation and act as an upper entrance/escape for the bees.

HCBA Member Recommendation (Woodenware)...

This year will be only my second year as a beekeeper, and I decided to add a hive. When I started last year, I opted for ordering all pre-assembled woodenware for my first hive. I used Brushy Mountain and although the price is much higher for both the woodenware and the shipping when you buy assembled, I was very happy with the quality and I felt I had one less thing to worry about when it came to the success of my hive. At least it would be built properly! This year, my friend and fellow HCBA member, Mike Feeney, talked me into saving some money and building my new hive myself (with his help, of course!).

We met Anthony from Old Schoolhouse Woodworks, at our July HCBA Beekeeper's Picnic Anthony makes great quality stuff, and takes custom orders, all for a great price. And he's conveniently located in CT, so you can save on shipping from the big companies by driving down to pick up your order. Mike purchased all the components to build 2 new 10 frame hives, and I got all the components for a new 8 frame hive from Anthony, including a few shims to go between our honey supers, and slotted bottom racks that he custom built for us. Check him out here:
OLD SCHOOLHOUSE WOODWORKS


We also have a new source for assembled frames, also in CT. You can't beat the quality or the price. If you need frames and can pick up in CT, you need to call Armand!

Armand Provost
198 Wagher Rd.
North Grosveno, CT 06255
860-935-5450

Armands frames are only $9.00 for a box (10 frames)!
You can't beat that deal with a stick!
Check out the quality of these frames...