Bees have been kept for honey production in hollowed out tree trunks (log hives),
earthenware pipes, straw skeps, wooden boxes and many other types of hive throughout
There are several types of modern hive in use that have features common to all (exploded
view left). These timber hives generally comprise a floor board with entrance block
above which sits a brood chamber (deep box) containing moveable frames of honeycomb
in which the queen lays her eggs and the worker bees raise her resultant offspring.
Above the brood chamber sits one or more supers (shallow boxes) containing moveable
frames of honeycomb in which the worker bees store the honey to be harvested by the
The supers are separated from the brood chamber by a 'queen excluder', a grid of
slotted zinc or wire with gaps large enough for the workers to move through, but
to small for the queen. A crown board covers the top super over which the roof is
fitted. The only entrance to the hive is via the entrance block fitted below the
bottom box (brood chamber) to which the queen is confined. For ease of manipulation
by the beekeeper hives can be raised 30 to 40cm off the ground by means of a hive
stand. This allows good ventilation to the underside of the floor and helps deter
unwanted intruders in the hive.
Young worker bees emerging from their hive for the first time will fly backwards,
facing the hive but gradually circling away until finally they turn into their line
of flight and circle around the hive, gradually spiralling outwards. During these
flights they learn to recognize their hive and the area in which it stands. Some
beekeepers like to assist in this recognition and provide differentiation between
closely spaced hives by attaching coloured shapes such as discs, diamonds or squares
to the front of hives. The more elaborate and highly decorative front hive panel
(illustrated right) is a fine example of native Irish art work (attributed to Phillip
McCabe, Drogheda) displayed at the FIBKA summer course.
Besides providing honey for your table, and helping pollination in your garden, a
beehive is a fascinating nature study for the young and not so young. The civilisation
that exists within the hive, the selfless community life evolved through millions
of generations whereby upwards of 40,000 bees can act simultaneously as with one
mind, is still beyond explanations. The dance of the bees, their uncanny homing instincts,
the wonder of queen substance; these and many other mysteries await your study. Bees
were on earth millions of years before man, and their way of life has changed very
little. Man has simply improved their "living quarters" to enable him to manipulate,
observe and exercise a degree of control over them. If you are making your first
acquaintance with beekeeping you will, like an old hand, be continuously amazed by
the behaviour and myriad activities of this small, fascinating insect.
Find the Queen!
An observation hive at honey shows and craft fairs attracts an audience of all ages.