Flow Hive Secret - How-to prepare your Flow Hive frames for success and give your bees a head start.

How-to prepare your Flow Hive frames and give your bees a head start. If you own a Flow Hive or a Flow Hive 2 and the bees aren't taking to the flow frames this simple tip should get them pointed in the right direction. I have heard many people say "The bees are not sealing the flow frames" or "the bees don't like the flow frames" but they may just need a little push in the right direction. I am pre-waxing the flow frames to make it easier for the bees to complete the frames in time for the spring nectar flow. Last year I was only able to harvest from one flow hive because the bees in the second hive never finished waxing the frames. When I installed the first flow hive last season I had pre-waxed the frames and the bees took right to it. I hope that pre-waxing the flow hive frames works on the second flow hive this year. Below I have provided Amazon links for the items and supplies I discussed in the video.
Here is a link to buy a flow hive if you are interested.
amzn.to/2vyXLx7
Here is a link to some Flow frames. This is a cheaper alternative to buying an entire Flow Hive. You will have to build your own box but these will work:
amzn.to/38EaEVu
Here is a link to the Beeswax for pre-waxing frames:
amzn.to/38vLXdK
Here is a link to the TightBond III and Gorilla Glues:
TightBond III
amzn.to/31XS8EZ
Gorilla Wood Glue
amzn.to/38twhHM
If you are considering installing a sustainable or edible landscape or becoming a beekeeper or starting beekeeping as a hobby this is the channel for you. I will show you everything I learned in my first year of beekeeping and you can learn with me as I experience and overcome the challenges I encounter in my second year and beyond. I will also feature some how-to videos because I am perpetually curious and creative and am always building something.
Thank you for visiting my channel and I really hope you like, subscribe, and ring the bell.
#flowhive #beekeeping #how-to

[@notme1345]

The inventor, Juan Garriga, lived in Spain and submitted the patent on August 8, 1939. The patent was approved on December 3, 1940. Flow hive stole the idea and used modern none environmental friendly plastics instead of metal.

[@BugFarmerBees]

Hi, notme1345, I want to start by saying I am not a patent attorney, but I have applied for several patents and I am very familiar with how the process works. Yes, I agrees that Juan Bizcarro did conceive and patent “an” idea for an automatically draining beehive which is in a lot of ways is similar to that of the honey flow.com FlowHive. That said, there are a couple of criteria that need to be met in order to be given a patent by the US government. #1. The invention must be new, or an improvement of the current art. 2# The invention must be useful 3# The invention must be non-obvious Let’s address these and try to understand why the US Patent office issued a provisional and the a full patent for honey flow.com flow frames when Juan Bizcarro had a patent own file for a similar invention. Requirements #2 and #3 are easy, Both Juan, and the Flow Hive folks have envisioned, and created a product that is useful. Next, a self draining beehive frame is(was) non-obvious to the general public at the time Juan filed his patent and at the time honeyflow.com submitted their invention. Question: The important question that has to be answered is question #1. Is this invention an improvement of the current art? Answer: Yes The invention must be new OR “be an IMPROVEMENT to the current art” This is where the “magic” happens and the difference between flow hive frames and the patent issued to Juan in 1930. If you look at figures 4 and 5 in the patent application and read the actual description of the invention and it’s operation submitted by Juan Bizcarro you will see the mechanism for cell construction and release of the honey are two completely different and independent ideas. In Juan’s design, the cells are solid hex shaped “matrix” with a drain activated by dividing the back of the cells from the “matrix” of cells via a turn screw. In short, he pulls the frames apart from the center which removes the solid backing from both halves of the frame simultaneously. (This design would not work, as written in Juan’s patent as there is no room in the box to separate the matrix from the spine without removing the frame… just an observation). Here is a copy of he relevant text from the patent: From the patent: The three parts or members above referred to composing each cell are constructed with the greatest precision, so that by suitably connecting them together, the walls of the cells of the side partS may be extended and their bottoms fit exactly to the matrix or central wall so as to produce when assembled complete cells. The matrix or dividing wall of each cell (Fig lures 1 and 2) is mounted on a supporting member by means of a screw-threaded rod 2 which passes through the Supporting member , and on which is screwed a nut 3 which rests on the sup porting member so that the matrix or dividing wall in each case may be adjusted in the vertical direction. The central or matrix Wall 0 which carries the bottoms of the cells corresponding to the side portions 7 and 9 is mounted by means of linkage 4 (Figure 2) on a screw-threaded pin 5, on to the screw thread of which is screwed a nut 6. by means of which it is possible to determine exactly the correct position of the matrix wall 0 with respect to the side walls 7 and 8, so that the longitudinal hollow parts of the cells shall coincide 
exactly with the corresponding bottoms. All the matrix or central walls of the cells of a hive are mounted in a supporting member Such as , So that they can be caused to slide 
simultaneously as a whole when so desired by the bee keeper. The Flow Hive frames are completely different in that they are designed in multiple pieces, inserted into a main body, and activated by turning a key which divides each individual cell allowing the honey to cascade to the bottom of the frame where it is evacuated via a tube. The two designs and completely distinct from one another and the flow hive certainly qualifies as an improvement of current art. Mechanically the frames are designed differently, constructed differently, and drain differently. I guess in short, I would have to disagree with your conclusion and equate it to claiming Tesla violated a ford patent by designing an electric car. It's all in the detail. You can read the patent in full here: patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/31/e6/d5/85210c41b52e4b/US2223561.pdf Thank you for reaching out and sharing and I apologize in advance for the wall of text. Thanks for providing me the opportunity to add a little rigorous thought to my day. Take care.

[@notme1345]

I've had the same copy and paste response from a couple other flowhive sponsored affiliated channels.

[@BugFarmerBees]

@@notme1345 Not copy and paste and I am not sponsored by Flow Hive. I do my diligence before I make statements. I wouldn't want to spout off about something and look foolish.

[@kenalv]

@@notme1345 Haven't seen any meaningful explanation from you and he did. Whats your point ?

[@notme1345]

@@kenalv what do I need to explain clearly the person above is a affiliate, there is even links to the website in the copy and paste reply which i've had from multiple bots word for word! My point don't claim to be the inventor of something you didn't invent SIMPLE.

[@captainldd]

I enjoyed your video very much. I highly recommended, a great watch.

[@BugFarmerBees]

Thank you so much. I drop a new video each Friday. Please stop in to have a look :-)

[@clothespindolls]

i love how organized your studio is! Thanks for the vid

[@BugFarmerBees]

Ha! You should see it today. My shop is a disaster 90% of the time. Thanks though. :-)

[@GenZInvestor]

Extremely interesting, I learned alot about the process

[@BugFarmerBees]

Thanks. Currently watching your videos.

[@SilverPocket]

Another great video buddy. Very interesting set up. Looking forward to the next video

[@BugFarmerBees]

Thanks

[@MissCanadian]

We still have way to much snow.....thank you for sharing this very interesting

[@BugFarmerBees]

Always. Please ring the bell and come back. This channel should get interesting this spring when I start getting back into the hives. Actually I follow a Canadian bee keeper in your neck of the woods named Devan Rawn. Fun to watch.

[@conradnolte4408]

Thank You very much for this informative video ✨😊✨

[@BugFarmerBees]

:-). Thanks for having a look at it. Take care.

[@patriotsmom3615]

Great,,, Information I learn more each time I watch,,, Be Happy 😊

[@BugFarmerBees]

So nice of you to visit each week. Bee Happy too!

[@Artist_Rafael]

Amazing knowledge

[@BugFarmerBees]

I am glad it was helpful. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Take care.

[@missjamie4243]

You are as busy as a bee with your bees😂 I enjoy watching a video or two when I can. The flow hives are pretty cool.

[@BugFarmerBees]

You need a flowhive. Wait until you see how easy it is to get the honey. :-) Thanks again for the shout out.

[@paulinedivingdeepincincinn1962]

Wow that's so cool i love bee honey ty for sharing my new friend.

[@BugFarmerBees]

The harvest video should be fun. I am almost out of honey for my tea.

[@davidcarlisle3384]

I have a lot to learn about beekeeping. My best friend had two hives. They were not flow hives. He is gone now. I can’t ask him. Glad to meet you today. I hit the like button and the bell 👍🔔👌. I hope you do too 👍😊.

[@BugFarmerBees]

Great. Thanks for watching. My channel will get better when the nectar flow starts and the honey is flowing.

[@DHVVLOG]

Woo. Super like, that is very interesting . Always full support, full watched. Thank you !!!

[@BugFarmerBees]

Thanks for watching.

[@robinfrazier7922]

You keep talking about work but work is that work is enjoyable work it's not something to dread to do everyday you just keep it going This is Uncle rob

[@BugFarmerBees]

With all due respect, I'm confused? I always view work in a positive light and have done so my entire life. Moreover I do not have an uncle rob. Is it possible you commented on the wrong video or have I missed something?

[@faridjad6933]

I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for all the information about boy bees 😂😂😂🙏🏼

[@BugFarmerBees]

Hi Farid Jad, I am happy you found the information useful. I really appreciate you stopping in to have a look and taking the time to comment. Take care.

[@user-ho2bu1mw6e]

Thanks for the video and the links to buy streaming hive frames. Like and greetings from St. Petersburg!

[@BugFarmerBees]

Я рад, что вам понравилось видео, и надеюсь, что это поможет. Проточный улей - хорошая новинка, но стандартные ульи Лангстрота по-прежнему мои любимые. Спасибо, что заглянули, и я очень ценю, что вы нашли время, чтобы прокомментировать. Если вы не видели моих ульев с подогревом, возможно, вам стоит взглянуть. Они согреют ваших пчел холодными петербургскими зимами. :-)

[@user-ho2bu1mw6e]

@@BugFarmerBees Yes, I am interested in all the new items that appear in apiaries, since I am building a third generation apiary and would like the new items to take their place in a timely manner. If closer to the theme of the video, then I'm going to transform the streaming frames in such a way that mature honey is pumped out without human intervention and folded into the third compartment of the hive - into the pantry. This, of course, is only part of the entire system. For example, in terms of heating and cooling, it is meant to use an inter-wall space in which a stable summer and winter temperature will be maintained (for our area it is important to smooth out the temperature difference). I will definitely watch your video. Good luck with your work in the apiary!

[@Maddog-mo6qh]

Checking you out from Miss Southern Belle and Miss Canadianscrapper we are we all friends

[@BugFarmerBees]

Much appreciated. If you have any friends who may like beekeeping and urban farming please tell them about me. I appreciate your support.

[@FreedomStacker]

I was looking at one one the flow hives man your right expensive, but ingenious*FS 😮💨

[@BugFarmerBees]

I like the flow hives but because I have to enter the hive anyway to inspect I probably won't buy any more flow hives. They are neat and make it easy to get honey but good old fashioned Langstroth hives work too. I may be getting chickens next!

[@FreedomStacker]

@@BugFarmerBees chickens are super easy check out John Suscovich and Joel Salatin my personal chicken Guru's

[@BugFarmerBees]

@@FreedomStacker Checking them out now. Thanks

[@MOLAN1004]

우리동네 아저씨처럼 푸근하시네... 말도 많으시고 귀여우시네 ㅎㅎ

[@BugFarmerBees]

감사합니다? 시청 해주셔서 감사합니다? :-)

[@nikkotan2840]

That's a price you pay if your a bee loving in a nice hive.. haha seriously love this part i can relate to this on my rental home.

[@BugFarmerBees]

Thanks Nikko. Having a nice hive is a nice but certainly a lot of work. Thanks for stopping in to have a look and thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@MikeeVee]

Very cool, my dad just started beekeeping last year, I wonder if he knows about these hives.

[@BugFarmerBees]

Send him my way and he can learn. Moreover, you can set up a few of these and surprise your dad with your superior knowledge. :-)

[@MikeeVee]

@@BugFarmerBees I'll tell him about you next time I talk to him.

[@mmb_MeAndMyBees]

Pre waxing any Frame or Foundation .... Primes the Bees into getting into a lay, raise, cap egg, larva, brood, nectar, into Honey making. 🍯🍯🍯🍯🍯🍯🍯🍯🍯 Question to think Bee style ! Tip: Would you like to move into a stark bleak dusty new cinder block House ??? Or have already, some painted walls, carpet, TV, smells of home Cooking, to get you settled in ! 🤣 Get the idea.... 🤗 Wax, either collected and melted, or bought, will have sweet essence of Honey, Bee, Brood inbuilt 'fragrance' to it. Really attractive to Bees... Going into a new Home. Etc etc... Get the idea !?! 👍 Happy Beekeeping 2021 ! 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

[@BugFarmerBees]

100% agree!

[@inthenameofgod6504]

Great video, I want ask you, is it possible you can put the wax next to the box and they take as much as they need or it must be melted for them and wouldn't you be putting to much wax that they can't use all. Thank you.

[@BugFarmerBees]

Honestly I don't know. I did see a video this week where Mr. Ed Dips all of his frames into wax to help the bees get started but I don't know if setting some wax in, around, or by the hive would be used by the bees. I guess that would make a good experiment.

[@mmb_MeAndMyBees]

In the Name ... Bees won't take ready made Wax. They have Wax Glands. It takes them 9 lb of Honey (eating energy) to make 1 lb Wax ! 😱 So if you can pre Wax anything a bit, they get starting being busy Bees making Cells (polished) smooth for egg laying, make Wax to cap the Brood. Etc etc ... Hope this helps.🤗 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

[@masco26]

Great video, I would like to build a box like the one you did if you kindly give me the diameters and sizes of the parts used in the box

[@BugFarmerBees]

It is a standard 8 frame Langstroth box modified to accept the flow frames. Have a look at this video to see the modifications: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoHHfaKgq9SYj9U Take are.

[@masco26]

@@BugFarmerBees Thanks mate 👍

[@HeatherSaltas]

I was reading views about the Chinese made vs Flow Hive and most say that the Chinese ones are made really cheaply and they breaks easier than the Flow. Flow Hive reviews say their quality is way higher than the knock offs.

[@BugFarmerBees]

I'm sure it is. I haven't used or even seen the knock-offs in person but I have seen them on Amazon and eBay. I use all OEM flow frames. :-)

[@LoneWolf0568]

I did just what you are doing, melted beeswax and used a paint brush to coat the frames but my bees still haven't completed the combs or started storing wax after over a month of the super being on the hive. I have tons of bees (3 deeps full of them under the super) so I don't think it's a workforce issue. Should I just wait and see what happens?

[@BugFarmerBees]

It sounds to me like the bees are storing their nectar in the three deeps below the excluder and not moving into the flow frames. If it were me I would remove one of the deeps and see if it causes the girls to store in the flow frames. That is what I would do. You may want to look at some of Frederick Dunn's older videos. In the past he put out a ton of information on the flow hives.

[@seidayassin7650]

Am so impressed by the hive. We are from Ethiopia, we are beekeepers can we get the hive that you have? and how it costs?

[@BugFarmerBees]

Hi Seida. You can Purchase the Flow Hives from www.honeyflow.com but they are quite expensive. If you or someone you know is good working with wood you can get the same hives for about 400.00 if you build them yourself. You can see how to build your own here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoHHfaKgq9SYj9U I hope this helps with your beekeeping adventure. Take care. :-)

[@diyasorry7676]

Ok thanks for your cooperation. I will try the second one.

[@CastleHives]

We have a Flow and couldn’t get them to use them, did not do this though. May try this in a last effort.

[@BugFarmerBees]

I pre-waxed my first set of flow frames and the bees took to it and filled it twice over the season. The second set I put on the hive in June and the bees didn't do anything to them. I think pre-waxing is the key even though flow says you don't have to. Give it a shot. It cant hurt. I may try stacking both flow supers on my aggressive red hive this year and see if they fill them both.

[@CastleHives]

Bug Farmer Well, my flow frames are cleaned and going to pre-wax them this week. I hope this works. I’ll definitely update.

[@CastleHives]

@C B Yes. But also i condensed the hive to a single brood box and not two. You need to wax them plus run 1 brood box to more or less force them to use it.

[@CastleHives]

C B If I could do it again, I’d just buy 3 or 4 hives for what the Flow cost.

[@CastleHives]

C B Yeah, regular Langstroth hives are what I like, 8 frame hives. Easier to lift for me. I’m not so keen on running a single brood box in our cold winters so time will tell. I may toss another deep on just so they build out and have the stores for winter.

[@bradgoliphant]

Hello my Bug Farmer Friend. I have a question for you. I'm hearing from several beekeepers that they are finding it impossible to clean the Flow Frames after like 4 years of use. Like they have tried everything. Do you have any ideas. I was just thinking to clean them every year. But I would love to hear if you had any ideas. Thanks so much

[@BugFarmerBees]

Actually I have thought about it. I was thinking a hot(almost boiling )water dip or one of those portable laundry steamers. It may not make them pretty again but it should render any old wax and kill any mold or mildew. Maybe I will work on this over the winter while my flow frames are in storage.

[@bradgoliphant]

@@BugFarmerBees Let me know what works will ya? I wrote the the Flow team about this and they never got back with me.

[@bradgoliphant]

They did get back with me and said very warm water-never boiling, and a soft scrub brush. They also have videos on their site on how to take them apart and scrub them which makes them like new.

[@inthenameofgod6504]

Would the bees stay in the winter in the same box flow honey and keep some honey for them?

[@BugFarmerBees]

I honestly don't think it would be a good idea to leave the flow frames on a hive over winter. Some people may but I wouldn't because come first sign of spring you would have your Queen laying in the flow hive(which is not good).

[@inthenameofgod6504]

@@BugFarmerBees Okay, would you have to move them to a regular old style box?

[@Marvinthecoinhunter]

@@BugFarmerBees excluder on how would the queen get up?

[@jerrybowen7580]

Do you put 2 flow hives together

[@BugFarmerBees]

Actually I tried that last year and it was a GIANT FAIL. I think this year I am going to place the flow hives on the Army and Navy hives on the back bench. They are both strong hives and I think they will produce. This is going to be a great season for the bees. Thanks for stopping in to have a look and taking the time to comment.

[@jovalchanneltv5021]

VERY GOOD THIS FREE WAX HOW MUCH COST IF I WILL BUY AND SEND HERE IN MY NATIVE LAND IN PHILIPPINES THANK YOU SIR

[@BugFarmerBees]

I am sorry. I do not sell flow hives. You can buy they from www.honeyflow.com. Thanks for stopping in to have a look. Take care.

[@distortedregulation]

A little bob ross there with the wax.

[@BugFarmerBees]

Just a happy little flow frame :-)

[@bradgoliphant]

Hello my Bug Farmer friend! Do you by chance have a Flow Hive 2, 7 frame base you would like to sell? Also, I would like to wish you a blessed and happy new year, and best wishes to your bees. Brad

[@BugFarmerBees]

Sorry, I run all eight frame equipment but if you watch my 6 Flow Hive Hacks video I show you how to make one for cheap. You will need a 10 frame deep, a leg leveling kit from Amazon, four corner blocks and some glue. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoHHfaKgq9SYj9U I hope this helps. Have a great New Year.

[@bradgoliphant]

@@BugFarmerBees No worries my friend. I don't own a shop but certainly could have one make for me. I'll think about it. So you run all 8 frame hive? Do you find that it all works out with less room? I guess as long as you stack it really does not matter. Happy new year to you as well. Your videos and you have brought me a lot of joy.

[@BugFarmerBees]

@@bradgoliphant Well it certainly helps out with my back. If I were running 10 frame equipment I would only have one deep as a brood chamber. However, with eight frames I find myself running a deep and a medium in the brood chamber just to make sure the queen has enough room to lay.

[@bradgoliphant]

@@BugFarmerBees that makes perfect sense. As I plan on starting with two deeps with frames that are 18.5” deep. I’m good with 8 frame finally. My head was stuck on 10 but I’m good now.

[@varietasVeritas]

Cut the top off a beer can, fill it with beeswax, fill the crockpot with water and put it on simmer. You can melt the wax with no cleanup!

[@BugFarmerBees]

That sounds like a winner. That would be a great way to process the burr comb after each inspection. I could make little wax pucks. Thanks for the idea. much appreciated.

[@user-hr6hg8fs4e]

Peut-il être fourni en Algérie?

[@BugFarmerBees]

naem. Honeyflow.com

[@harianbagus221]

How much sir

[@BugFarmerBees]

? I am confused. How much for what?

[@BugFarmerBees]

If you want to build your own Flow Hive or pre-wax your flow frames here are some links for you: Here is a link to buy a Flow Hive if you are interested. amzn.to/2vyXLx7 Here is a link to the Beeswax for pre-waxing frames: amzn.to/38vLXdK Here is a link to some Flow frames. This is a cheaper alternative to buying an entire Flow Hive. You will have to build your own box but these will work: amzn.to/38EaEVu Here is a link to the TightBond III and Gorilla Glues: TightBond III amzn.to/31XS8EZ Gorilla Wood Glue amzn.to/38twhHM

[@BugFarmerBees]

.

[@banditva8040]

$250 for 3 frames. I'll stay with my wooden frames for now.

[@BugFarmerBees]

I found 7 OEM Flow frames on ebay for around 200.00. It's a good place to look. That said I am in the Langstroth camp myself. The flowhive is neat and does what they say but a standardized Langstroth setup across the apiary makes thing go more smoothly. Don't get wrong., IO like the flow hive for what it is but it isn't suitable for an entire apiary in my opinion. Thanks for stopping in to have a look and taking the time to comment. It is much appreciated. Take care.

[@mmb_MeAndMyBees]

Drones, (Boy Bees) don't sting ! They can drift in and out of any Hive and blag Food and Warmth, to only go out on a 'Night Out' do the Deed with a Virgin Bee, to die afterwards ! 😱 Sweet life or what ! They live up to 8 Weeks (Summer only.) Queens raised after 16 days, Worker Bees after 21 days, and Drones 24 days... Longest staying in a cosy bed, typical !!! 🤭 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

[@BugFarmerBees]

I guess being a Drone is the good life until fall when the female workers chew off your wings and kick you out of the hive.

[@slamdunktiger]

14:30 I think you just accidentally described Japanese culture

[@BugFarmerBees]

Yikes! Comply or die? I sure hope not. Thanks for stopping in though and I hope to see you in future comments. Take care.

[@slamdunktiger]

@@BugFarmerBees most obliged sir! waiting for my bees!

[@iljchoarsovski2764]

Колку е еден рам

[@BugFarmerBees]

Ну вот. Это ссылка на honeyflow.com. Вы можете купить китайскую подделку на Amazon.com дешевле. Вот ссылка OEM: www.honeyflow.com/collections/flow-frames

[@Hirokiji]

18:05 Believe me buddy, Flow hive are getting paid and then some for their products. I wouldn't worry about how much they're getting paid. They made $11 million in crowd funding alone... So for 10 years of research they already got paid $1 million per year from crowd funding just for their research. Most companies don't make even close to getting remunerated for their research.

[@BugFarmerBees]

All valid points. I appreciate you stopping in to have a look. I hope to see you in future comments. Take care.

[@FuriousImp]

Didn't their kickstarter collect like 14 million? I'm sorry, I usually agree with rewarding people for their inventions - but their are literally entire hives with frames in them for 150 right now. That's like 5 times cheaper. If you want 10 of them... it really really adds up. If you just don't have the money, and know that the original manufacturer is already rich to the point where they can buy a yacht - I'll be ok with basically buying a knockoff from China.

[@BugFarmerBees]

The most important this is you will be raising bees. :-) I am pretty sure pre-waxing the frames will work with the Chinese frames too. Thanks for stopping in to have a look and I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Have a great day. Take care.

[@FuriousImp]

@@BugFarmerBees That's such a lovely comment. Thank you! Currently I've got too much going on - 3D printer modding, brewing mead (hence why I'd love to have my own honey) and we're about to reopen the restaurant where I work at. Stay healthy, stay safe. Subbed.