An extra observation window can be ordered for the right side, if desired. Long hive discussion page. Apply two coats of primer/sealer, and then one coat of light-colored paint on all exterior surfaces of the hive box, legs, and top. Naomi has found that the wool blanket not only keeps the bees warmer in winter, but temperature readings confirms it keeps the bees cooler in summer as well. Last winter, Naomi decided to use an infrared camera to monitor her hives in winter. History of the Langstroth Hive. The canvas top-bar cover comes standard, and the woolen insulating blanket is an optional item. I LIVE IN PORT ANGELES WASHINGTON 98362. Apimaye 10 Frame Langstroth Insulated Beehive Set. I like to build more than one when I am doing a project like this. What a lovely hive. Just wondering what your take is on the ventilation? Just wondering if too much condensation might build up without bottom ventilation. Do you make a Valkyrie flow hive option? Put them on a completely flat surface (e.g., concrete floor), the bottom side facing up (and rabbeted frame rests facing inside!). The last step is to cut landing boards for the hive entrances. I would place the brood nest on the end where the entrance is. Take that, you predators! P.S. Thirteen long hive colonies are currently in my apiary. Thats very clear, and makes perfect sense! I try not to miss any of your postings. I used four 3 screws into each leg. In a top hive there is very little space . I worry more about heat than cold, although heat is probably less of a problem in a long hive. The best part, they are super cost . The website isnt ready yet, so sorry! How does one go about harvesting honey [eventually I dont expect to my first year] in this type of hive? I wonder if the Valkyrie, seated in the stand and full of bees would weigh enough to convince a honey badger to look somewhere else for a snack? The over-all size and weight of this Valkyrie Long Hive means less work for the beekeeper and the colony. First, I apply glue to all of the box joints. And thank you for your comment. You will have the following parts, enough for exactly two hives: Step 8. This can be modified, but the critical space is a hair over 19 to fit a standard frame. However, if weight may be an issue for you, you should consider an 8-frame hive for easy lifting, inspection and honey removal. Some phoretic mites get left on the ramp and many of the sick bees will walk away, refusing to enter. THEY ARE THE BEST. Long Langstroth Hive: This beehive plan builds a horizontal hive instead of a vertical one. Hi Rusty, Please remember that any changes to the design or form of the Valkyrie will nullify our two-year warranty, notwithstanding that each beekeeper needs to keep their colonies however they wish, and I would never question Rustys expertise. Sprung from a faithful constant (the Valhalla) to embrace an evolving field of bee biology, the Valkyrie Long Hive has emerged. Now lets assemble the top. Thank you so much, Adrienne, for your kind remarks! I live in a relatively mild sub-alpine climate, where we have lows of 20 (F) or -6 deg C, and highs of 104 F (or 40 deg C). The hive body holds 24 standard deep frames. To attach, predrill holes and attached with glue and screws. Repeat with the remaining two entrances. Since heat rises it will go to the top of the vertical hive while the bees are more likely to be hanging out at the bottom. Bees can cluster together more efficiently and easily access honey during winter. This area receives an average of 15 inches of annual precipitation, and experiences temperatures ranging from 105 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of minus 20 degrees (without a wind-chill factor). The racks are 13" wide and 16" deep. These hives keep my bees toasty warm in the winter with perfect ventilation for zero moisture. Because of their nature, bees will more likely use all eight frames and move up quickly. Gable Roof for Horizontal Hives Fits our Long Langstroth Hive model. To insulate, or not insulate - that is the question! I am thinking I will leave it on all year. The long langstroth would be your easiest bet to avoid heavy lifting, if you went with the layens, you could use this style. Thanks so much for your response on ventilation of the Valkrie hive here in port Angeles. Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP) In fact, this might be what most people picture when they think of a beehive. We are working on bringing you the bees and the smile! The Valkyrie has one additional type of hinge called Easy Glide which is currently in testing and should be available next spring. I did not get the wool blanket with my hive, I just continued to use the canvas cover in winter. Exterior acrylic primer/sealer (1 qt per hive) and light-colored exterior acrylic paint (1 pint per hive); a wide brush. I thought I would give the one deep experiment a try this summer only to discover bees that were honey bound and overcrowded beyond belief. There is an option to assemble the hive with only screws, which means you can take it apart for transportation. This Makes it easy to cut 2 long ends from an 8 board and then all the short sides from another (4 short sides for the 2 hives). Use a chisel to square the corners. My point is this: these Valkyries will be given their colonies this year, and I am beyond excited to think of the future good reports from so many states with a such a huge diversity of climates and beekeeping practices. Its purpose it to discuss contemporary issues in beekeeping and bee science. The ramp method also gives the beekeeper an opportunity to remove questionable bees from entering their new home. Also, the outer side of year rings should preferably face outside. Don't get confused with the terminology. The Langstroth boxes used in a single hive use the same length and width. Yes. A special filling material used in the top cover and side walls of Thermo Hives provides thermal insulation, offering a suitable habitat for the colony in different climateconditions. The brick insulation inside the stand helps prevent heat loss from the bottom as well as helping prevent the cold/heat from the ground from traveling upward into the colony BUT theres still plenty of air flow. He repeated a long standing experiment from 1943. Sign Up for Our Promotions and Discounts: 10-Frame Bottom Board Commercial Assembled/Painted, 10-Frame Bottom Board Commercial Unassembled, 10-Frame Bottom Board Select Unassembled - 5 Pack, 10-Frame Bottom Pollen Trap Select Assembled, 10-Frame Candy Board Feeder Select Assembled/Painted, 10-Frame Complete Deep Super 9 5/8" Commercial Assembled/Painted, 10-Frame Deep 9 5/8" Expanding Apiary Kit Commercial Assembled/Painted, 10-Frame Deep 9 5/8" Starter Kit Commercial Assembled/Painted, 10-Frame Deep Beginner's Kit #1 Unassembled, 10-Frame Deep Super 9 5/8" Commercial Unassembled, 10-Frame Deep Super 9 5/8" Economy Unassembled, 10-Frame Deep Super 9 5/8" Select Unassembled, 10-Frame Deep Super 9 5/8" Select Unassembled Nails Included, 10-Frame Deep Super 9 5/8" Select Unassembled Nails Included - 5 Pack, 10-Frame Deep Super 9 5/8" with Coated EZ Frames Commercial Assembled/Painted, 10-Frame Deep Super 9 5/8" with Frames and Coated Plasticell Commercial Assembled/Painted, Package Bees Shipped Direct to Your Local Post Office, Artificial Pollination Technology Seeks Entry into the Huge California Almond Market, Sioux Honey Beekeepers Establish Central Californias First Anonymous, All-Hours Food Pantries. A key benefit of the Langstroth long-hive is that it minimizes the amount of heavy liftinga feature which is great for the back! You can fit more hives in a smaller area of land, perfect for small backyards and smaller beeyards. Both varroa drawers and screens remove for easy cleaning. Protects the hive box from sun and rain. Put a rock or concrete block on the top so it does not get blown off by wind. The standard Valkyrie comes with a canvas cover that fits over the top bars. Simply the best. (If you do not have a router, you can use a jigsaw instead.). While Odin ever-awaited new arrivals, it was the Valkyries who remained vigilant and watchful, presiding over earths battlefields to choose who would be taken aloft. Do you shift the frames towards the bees and remove them as they fill? Rigid foam was secured underneath the long hive as an experiment. Also, the ladies will winterize the hive themselves, and if you add the Shetland Wool cover to your hive purchaseso much the better as it really brings a higher level of protection in both summer and winter. Page upward on this blog where there is an excellent answer to your placement question. It fits 31 standard deep frames. I have pulled about 8 frames of brood out of this hive this year. Thank you so much for your informationlooking forward to hearing from you again! The ventilation ports fixed it in a heartbeat and the continued use of the canvas cover (after bleaching) keeps the hive from being drafty. Regardless of dictionaries, we have in entomology a rule for insect common names that can be followed. Imagine the lucky colony that lives here! Oh, thanks Vivien. Of course, weve had a very warm winter, even for this area, which seldom has cold winters. Capacity: Because this design consists of modular, interchangeable hive parts, you can add extra medium honey supers as the colony grows and honey production increases. You also place a piece of pink insulation in the top ventilation box to help with moisture. Youre welcome, Rodney, Rusty is the best! It will make a big difference and help you a lot. The walls are thick, meaning the hive will get extra insulation and be very durable. Im very glad to know another Valkyrie beekeeper. Step 6. A single observation window is standard and placed on the left where viewing is best. A Valkyrie owner in the Midwest noticed the burr-comb was predominantly drone cells. Otherwise pre-drill and assemble on 1-1/8 screws. Have a wonderful weekend! However, the bees natural inclination is to move vertically as in a hollow tree cavity, and in a horizontal hive we are asking them to change what they have been doing for ages. Beneath the frames is a built-in slatted rack with new, tighter spacing on the ends. Put the bees in this kind of box with nothing, just the wired frames to help hold the comb as they build it. Thank you. Making a gable roof for pretty looks and improved insulation. Step 12. Cool in the summer the bees dont work as hard to heat and cool the hive and are able to work more efficiently which equates to more honey in my honest opinion. flaunt magazine editor,