BeeWare would like to introduce the Jackson hive logbook for all beekeepers.
You will find pictures of the different events and processes as well as notes & tips to mention as I go along. This is much like an online experiment of what to expect using a JHH.
Feel free to request experiments. Add recommendations and check my Beekeeping BLOG for even more detailed info.
1 August 2006 - 1st Rains but no colony ...yet - CLICK HERE
25 October 2006 - We have 2nd & 3rd rain and a Colony - CLICK HERE
Welcome To the JHH Logbook - June
The Jackson hive is based on the top bar hive design however it has some unique modifications.
June 28th
About 5 days ago, I took two balls of pure beeswax and placed them inside the entrance to the JHH (Jackson Horizontal Hive) in order to attract scout bees. They rest on the first and second frame. I don't have a picture of that scene to show you here. I will try to take a pic of this the next time I check the JHH with my camera.
On June 25th, I made a sugar water solution to be used to entice worker scouts into and around the JHH. I used this method successfully last winter to entice scouts into a Langstroth when the Bottle brush was flowering. My solution is a 1:3 parts ratio of white sugar to water. For every 500g of sugar, dissolve it in an estimated 1.5 litres of water. Keep the water warm and do not boil the sugar or it could become caramelised. Stir the water while it dissolves for a few minutes.
Below is a plastic jar usually used for bottling honey for the market. The wooden part is a 3-part piece of woodwork. At the bottom is a thin piece of brown board. There is a bottom piece of wood which has the two tongs showing out below. The top piece of wood is routed to show a hollow for the lid of the jar to be inserted into.
This causes the lid to be suspended upon the bottom piece of wood. Bees can access the lid by landing on the thin layer of board and walking along between the pieces of pine until they reach the lid where pin-head sized holes allow drops of sugar water to suspend.
For the worker's perspective see the pic below.
A view from the side:
and before filling:
Here is the feeder placed inside the lip of the JHH entrance.
Foraging bees where the solution is already finished. The bees are definitely keen to find a rich source of food at this time. I refilled the jar and have now put it inside the hive itself. It is resting on the 5, 6 & 7th frame bottoms. Bees are still foraging.
It is my intention to induce swarming by a local hive once a new queen is reared. This will take up to 18-21 days so be patient using this method. You may also find an established colony taking residence in the empty hive due to the perceived benefit from relocating.
After 1 week of feeding it is wise to discontinue. Bees are prone to dysentry or upset stomachs and will die if continuous feeding takes place over more than 2 weeks or a very rich solution is mixed the bees may be harmed rather than benefit. Keep this in mind if you are trying out the feeding concept for the first time.
Oh another thing, don't be alarmed if once you have filled the jar with our solution, you have made the pin-head sized holes in the lid and when you turn it over the solution gushes out like water from a shower head. Give it about 6 secs and the flow stops.
This is the JHH site for the logbook experiment.
Be sure to check the next insert.
25 October 2006 - We have 2nd & 3rd rain and a Colony - CLICK HERE
Generally, beeekeepers use gloves every time they are at the apiary. You can do an external inspection of a hive which does not require any gear however this is only recommended once you have gained confidence in handling bees and with the appropriate precautions.
Which Gloves?
For work with bees which requires a finer tactile control then aleather bee glove is recommended. Usually used when working with the queen or planning queen-rearing exercises. From R150 a pair
The Bee Smoker! The honeybee pacifier. One of the best tools for calming an aggressive colony. Whenever working with bees, especially in the brood chamber remember to smoke them.
Just about any work with bees and the hive can be done using PVC bee gloves. As mentioned above, it comes down to preference in most instances. One may also like to use inner gloves with these as the pvc tends to make your hands sweat and smell of rubber. From R130 a pair
Get the beekeeping equipment. Essential equipment is available from our office in Centurion. Hives, hive tool, protective clothing & smoker make up the need-to-have list. Click here
The Bee Smoker! The honeybee pacifier. One of the best tools for calming an aggressive colony. Whenever working with bees, especially in the brood chamber remember to smoke them.
and before filling: 
