Long Langstroth Horizontal Hive Inspection and Update, Testing a Hive Butler, BetterComb has Brood

After so many viewers voted, today I'm doing a Long Langstroth Hive inspection instead of the normal Question and Answer Video.
We're coming to the end of the productive year for the honey bees and it's a critical time to inspect hives and arrange them for a coming winter.
The Long Langstroth Horizontal Hive is doing extremely well and is a pure joy to work with.
I purchased a 5-pack of Hive Butlers, and though this is not a complete review of those frame holders, I do give them a run as an aid when inspecting hives. I give them Five Stars :) and the makers were gracious enough to offer a discount code for my viewers: FRED10 for 10% off. I don't receive any incentives for this offer and paid full price for the ones I have.
Here is a link to those frame holders: hivebutler.com/collections/all
I think the Hive Butler storage units are going to be a great way to store drawn comb through winter and then have them ready for those spring build ups. I have not thoroughly tested them "yet" but can see a Hive Butler with the screened cover as a very convenient way to transport full frames of brood when doing splits, or for transporting swarms. I'm an instant fan!
Bettercomb continues to be useful and has performed very well for me throughout this year and last winter. They really boost the productivity of packages and swarms. I use 3 or 4 bettercomb frames at the center of the brood box and then use foundationless, or plastic Acorn frames to finish the brood boxes. I now wire every single bettercomb frame.
The Long Langstroth Hive is every easy to work your bees in and arranging, adding, removing, frames is a snap and no heavy lifting or bending. Make them as heavy as you want. I have also obtained a Layens Hive, frames, and foundation through Dr Leo's Horizontal Hive .com Insulated and ready to go.
I am looking forward to that experience in 2021.
If you're thinking about Horizontal Hives, please consider purchasing the book "Beekeeping With A Smile" amzn.to/2Eiodjo
The smoker I use is from Flow, if you're at all interested in Flow-Hive, here is a coupon that will save you $50:
$50.00 off: mbsy.co/honeyflow/29307941
AU - mbsy.co/zSDf9
EU - mbsy.co/zSDbm
I just use kiln dried pine shavings as smoker fuel.
There are no hive plans yet, thank you for your patience and when I arrive at my final form/hive, I will make the drawings available for FREE.
www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewayto...
You are also invited to join us on Facebook:
/ freds-fine-fowl-167853...
As an amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@thehiveandthehoneybee9547]

You sir are a teacher's teacher! I thought id be bored but found myself watching in one go! thank you A+++

[@FrederickDunn]

I appreciate your comments always! Thank you for your time!

[@timan2039]

He does a great job with all aspects of his videos.

[@pasiekatrojec3539]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKqlaWuKqMSUY9U

[@thehiveandthehoneybee9547]

@@ericpeterson4038 i've never seen that work out you're one of the few I guess

[@BeekeepingMadeSimple]

Nice footage! I could watch bees flying in slow motion all day. Makes me want to try a long langstroth next year. My first two years as a beekeeper I had top bar hives. My third year I worked for a commercial apiary and opened a langstroth hive for the first time. My mind was blown. I found it SO MUCH EASIER. I haven't used a horizontal hive since.

[@JiriUL]

Frederic, it's just a pure joy to watch your super healthy and thriving colonies and aboundance of flowers you provided for your bees. Moreover, I started to be extremely interested in horizontal hives. Will keep watching.

[@oneshoo]

I purchased the 5 pack of the Hive Butler for my roof top apiary last year. I have 4 hives up there now and the Hive Butler is perfect solution for my small operation. I can transport frames, use them when inspecting frames as Fred did, put honey supers in them when ready to harvest. Over last Winter, after I froze all of my wet honey frames, I stored them in the Hive Butler in my basement. It worked out perfectly! Yes expensive, but well worth it for my operation. 👍👍

[@FrederickDunn]

That is awesome! Yes, I agree, expensive, but will earn their keep in the years to come and are stackable. Thanks for sharing!

[@billc3405]

Thank you for sharing your inspection. They look for healthy ,strong, and well prepared for the coming winter. Better comb looks like it's the bees knees for new package bees.

[@philiplaidlaw]

I learn a ton on every video, love the slow-mo cinematic portions!

[@FrederickDunn]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Calypso4me]

Awesome Inspection! They Looked Fantastic! 😍

[@shaunroberts9361]

This was outstanding. I really like when you open up your hives.

[@wquirke6297]

Thank you for this educational video. Your bees are so calm

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks for watching!

[@Kaalokalawaia]

Nothing like seeing healthy and happy bees.

[@timellerbeck7620]

Terrific vid, thoughtful explanation and excellent delivery, thankyou from sunny South Africa. Horizontal hives are definitely intriguing - I may just build one next winter and give it a go.

[@LarryLeesBees]

I received my Hive Butlers about three weeks ago. Man-O-Man are they awesome! I bought 4 of the boxes with lids and the uncapping boxes. Plus a couple extra lids with the vent holes in them. I really like them! Pretty cool!!! I’ll probably have to do a video review on them. Was real happy to see that you had them. I usually buy things that I’ve seen on your channel Fred, but I bought mine several months ago. They even sent an apology note for taking so long to ship. I wasn’t worried about it, but it was a nice gesture. Thanks for another great video Sir. 🐝😎

[@FrederickDunn]

HI Larry, yes, they are good people. When I contacted them, they said they had sent an email to me back in the beginning of the year asking if I'd like to evaluate them (';')... oops.... and when I looked them up, I liked them so much that just went ahead and purchased them :) Glad you like them Larry... they are exactly what I've needed, and will help keep me organized ;) YOU have a GREAT weekend!

[@TheHiveButler]

We'd love to see your video review!!

[@tolnaijani]

Cheers for the update, Fred! :)

[@oksanabotsman6893]

And here we go again another Splendid videos you did it every time you come out with the new videos I got goosebumps that's how excited I am definitely much interesting to see different hives in different containers where the bees are leaving it it specially when you showing everything piece by piece and explaining everything so good that you can tell that you've been doing this for quite a long time and you enjoying to learn and to tell and to teach thanks for that close to the end of the box there is a cute little baby coming out and you said happy birthday to you it was unbelievably amazing that you did that every time I get more impressed of your videos I think they're awesome the end of the video where the slow motions hard-working bees going up and down left and right backwards. Almost like acrobatics techniques they are flying it's amazing how you see that in the slow-motion . There is no way you can see that at the regular speed the energy when they are doing such a quick job to come home and bring all that food . Definitely fascinating and of course after seeing this bees you can only tell what you done good and not good and I think that the lending board that you said sounds like a wonderful idea nice to learn that from you I really really appreciate the work that you do please stay healthy be happy Pease

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you for such an excellent comment!

[@theturcanstribe3684]

I had an Arlo camera too ,for a month now I installed Reolink dedicated cameras for each hive ,I guess we are obsessed with beekeeping 😜

[@nicoleandreazza850]

Thank you, I learn so much from every video from you, happy Friday 👍

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you Nicole

[@elizabethrogers1152]

This was really interesting very informative. Thanks Mr Dunn🐝🐝🐝

[@FrederickDunn]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelmueller8976]

Thanks for sharing

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Very nice inspection. Thanks for the video!!!!!

[@FrederickDunn]

Glad you liked it!

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

@@FrederickDunn You've inspired me to make one over the winter and set it up in the spring.

[@pennystreet8183]

I’ve heard the saying. Busy as a bee. But I can’t believe how busy they truly are. I have been fascinated with watching your bees and finding out all about them. I have enjoyed watching your videos and look forward to seeing more. Penny. Western Australia

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks for watching!

[@grantjackson3951]

Did my first ever hive inspection today on a friends traditional Lang I have built a long Lang and a Kenyan top bar .After watching this video I can’t wait to get my bees in 3weeks away great videos learning plenty from them. Thanks

[@revengeofsuperman]

Bees close the bottom vents because warm air escapes from between boards on top. You could use only 3 pieces of thin plywood and styrofoam or mat underneath the lid. I could build another hive from those thick pieces of woods, I see they are wasted on top. Germans only use screen mesh at the bottom. Its open all year round, and bees do fine as long as it is well insulated on top.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks for sharing!

[@chops2x]

Such an awesome videos , glad the bees are doing so well.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you and yes, I'm happy with how they are coming along!

[@lancebarker8980]

Fred you are the best🇦🇺 love all your vids and lives 🐝

[@larrylewis3573]

Dear Mr. Dunn, Thank you for a most interesting and informative video. I pray all your hives winter over successfully. Sincerely, Larry Clarence Lewis, Canada. P.S. It is good to see your Saskratraz doing so well.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks, you too!

[@DancingCrittersAcres]

I have been thing about getting into beekeeping, and using the long hive after watching a few video of Dr. Leo talking about beekeeping. I am excited to see how the hive does over the winter. Your location is a bit warmer the where I am in north central Wisconsin, but nothing like everyone south of I-80. Many thanks for sharing you knowledge and info. You take care. Dean

[@boblemery1029]

Sorry I missed the vote question and answer would have been my pick, I liked this inspection with that being said thanks for your time and effort for us.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks Bob... we'll return to the question and answer format when the weather shuts the bee yard down. :)

[@weasleoop]

Wow those hive butlers look great. I think I will pick me up some of those for next year.

[@FrederickDunn]

Don't forget to use FRED10 for that discount Carlos! :)

[@garydungelman6530]

Excellent presentation

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks a lot

[@jeremyjames3895]

Great video Fred.

[@CentralBeekeepersSupply]

Great video, Frederick!

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you so much! :)

[@ricklee258]

You can see a bee crawl on the top bar with a mite on its back at 19:37. Very cool hive. Very informative video. Thanks!

[@FrederickDunn]

Good eye Rick!

[@JakeBeesos]

Nice inspection.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks!

[@scottfortune9016]

Another sweet video! Thank you.

[@FrederickDunn]

I see what you did there Scott! and thanks!

[@scottfortune9016]

@@FrederickDunn I wasn't sure anyone would get it. Thanks for beeing onto my wit. Lol

[@oliverclothesoff5397]

Great content man! Makes me want to keep bees!

[@lizimpey6338]

Hi Frederick, I can’t look after myself nevermind bees but I check for your posts everyday. I have learned so much. Please keep posting 😊 Also big fan of Dr Leo. He explains things just like you 👍

[@FrederickDunn]

I'm originally from Missouri and do hope to cross paths with Dr Leo some day! He seems like he would be fun to work with. I'm looking forward to the Layens hive. I'm glad you are enjoying these videos!

[@spencerjensen1993]

Frederick Dunn are you planning on building a Layens hive soon?

[@lizimpey6338]

Frederick Dunn 👍👍😁😁

[@amyerickson6557]

Fred, you have all the nifty gadgets!

[@FrederickDunn]

:) it's always fun to discover and evaluate new things... particularly when they work as intended.

[@strangeWaters]

I'm so glad the combined hive is doing well :)

[@FrederickDunn]

Me too... I love it when things work out! Thanks.

[@jarnold8803]

Really like the hive!

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks!

[@yaddahaysmarmalite4059]

Inspections for sure. Let the bees teach us.

[@attesmatte]

A great video! I love how easy long hives are to work with! Not so easy lifting them into place though. 😜 😂 Greetings from Sweden!

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks for visiting, yes once installed, they are great, setting up is the most lifting you'll do. I had a helper when I put this one in place.

[@georgegarcia5052]

Wonderful video! We have the exact same situation ... my horizontal hive has a lot of drones but my Langstroff hives have very few! Regarding needing a longer landing board ... not necessary. Just staple a 6” by 6” hardware cloth below the entrance so that it hangs down ... I can’t recall any bees overshooting the hive. Regarding the entrance being too high for Oxalic vaporizers (the think one you recommended works on my horizontal hive) ... next time I make another hive I’ll make the entrance flush to the bottom board. Thanks again for a great video!

[@FrederickDunn]

I have a fix for the oav pan users.... It's easy and convenient and will be part of my final design... no modification of the entrance will be necessary.

[@robertmathurin739]

Happy Friday Mr Dunn 🇱🇨👊🏿👍🏿

[@FrederickDunn]

Happy Friday to you Robert!

[@paoemantega8793]

very interesting video thank you

[@FrederickDunn]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chelseafletcher7155]

Sweet !!

[@daniellineberry8879]

Working on two horizontal hives now, hoping to move bees into them on Friday. Love this video!

[@FrederickDunn]

Good luck!

[@ZelmaBees]

I received my Hive Butler back in July and I’m very satisfied with the product.

[@FrederickDunn]

That's GREAT! Thanks for sharing, I definitely like them!

[@loislangley2975]

If you do have plans can you add metric measurements I.e cms and mm. Well done video thank you?

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes... I shall do that. :)

[@TheHiveButler]

I'm so glad to hear it! :)

[@MistressOnyaCox]

OBBSESSSSSED WITH THE SLOW MO!💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗🤩🤩🤩🍯🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@kennyh1287]

May want to take your divider board all the way to the floor to prevent bee encroachment into the empty space.

[@FrederickDunn]

You can customize it any way you'd like to.

[@muratgokirmak8398]

Wow nice beekeping..🙏

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you!

[@ronfults3844]

I bought some Hive Butlers this spring and have found them to be a very valuable tool. I only wish I would have bought more than two.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MistressOnyaCox]

I'd love to see you do a long lang hive with flow combs for the 🍯🤩

[@14623carolanne]

I'm on your videos like a bee on honey lol. I'm purchasing my first two hives now getting ready for spring. I'm especially tuned in to anything to help my bees through the winter months. I'm in Geneseo Ny I think our weather is about the same.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you Carol, I hope all works out for you and your bees :)

[@timan2039]

In two springs hope to have room to space for two long hives. One based on your Long Langstroth and the other on Corwin Bell's Cathedral design. My current thought is build them as duplexes, this would necessitate extra length but would give me homes four colonies all while keeping me out of trouble :-)

[@FrederickDunn]

Sounds great!

[@sonofthunder.]

thanks fred,ordered a butler,really looking at bettercomb too

[@FrederickDunn]

Did the Hive Butler people honor that Fred10 code for you? I think you are going to like them! And bettercomb has really boosted my started colonies... great stuff.

[@sonofthunder.]

@@FrederickDunn yes fred,thank you,the slow motion is great too

[@donbearden1953]

Fred, all of your hives look wonderful. I’m so surprised at the number of drones you still have. I inspected two hives today and did not see the first drone. You never know what the bees are going to do for sure. I would have thought that you wouldn’t have many and I would have more since I’m so much further south. The golden rods here have just started blooming and yours look like they are at their peak which I would expect yours to bloom first. I really love your horizontal hive, I need to build me a few of those so I don’t have to pick up so much weight. I fighting a torn rotor cuff now and it’s not getting any better, PT hasn’t helped. Only one thing left and I hate having surgery. Anyway enough about my problems and as always thanks for the excellent narrated video!

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Don! Wow, that's terrible about your injury! I hope that heals up fast for you. If I had more time on my hands, I'd definitely build more horizontal hives, this winter will tell the tale and I'll have a better design vision in spring when I see how they move through the structure. I'd also like to set up a larger research building here with more interior observation hives and that is definitely in the future. So many ideas and so little time. Thanks as always for watching and commenting.

[@roseroberson5010]

@@FrederickDunn Don, I think you will find these horizontal hives one of if not the easiest hives to manage. As a woman with a bad back and aging, mine has been so very easy to get into, pull frames etc. The bees are typically very calm unless I bump or drop a frame down on a bee. This is my first year with one and am also looking to see what they do with the winter

[@barbaravickroy7563]

Fred - will look forward to any and all expansions and experiments. You push envelope and we learn.

[@shea8830]

Wow.. I wonder what it'll look like when you harvest honey from that better comb

[@FrederickDunn]

I would assume the same as any other comb? We'll know in spring.

[@58Kym]

$359 for 5 boxes? Whoa, I think the lids are pretty and they seem very useful so lucky you only have to buy them once. I really enjoyed looking at the long langstroth and happy to see it is going very well in the lead up to winter.

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, pricy, but I think they are going to last for a very VERY long time and that's how I justified it to myself, along with the time-saving functionality. Can't believe I didn't get them long ago.

[@58Kym]

Frederick Dunn Make sure they don’t sit in the sun for long if they aren’t UV stable. I lose my fairly cheap but still annoyingly expensive clothespegs that way. I really need to buy a UV protected clothespeg bag!

[@FrederickDunn]

The boxes are made of the same plastics used in milk crates.... but I agree, don't park them in the sun on a hot day!

[@TheHiveButler]

@@FrederickDunn Actually, the sun wont bother them! We've had one laying out in all the elements for nearly a year, hasn't hurt it a bit!

[@thegr8stm8]

Thanks Fred. Winter will be interesting. I am sure they will be OK... but you have said they move up and not laterally. Maybe the thick timber will be good insulation still I am sure the cluster will still be tight.

[@FrederickDunn]

They do prefer to move up, but certainly will move laterally when given no vertical option :)

[@bradgoliphant]

Awesome Video Frederick!!!!! Hey, have you ever planted Buckwheat? Super fast growers and super nutritional nectar

[@FrederickDunn]

only in the garden. I'm not a huge fan of bucwheat honey :) it's very strong and distinctive. I much prefer mild clover honey :)

[@thatsclassicher1149]

Copper flashing?! Those are some pampered bees!!!

[@robandcindy2]

Fred, first as a NewBee you are my continuing ed Guru. Thank you!! We are about to go long lang to supplement our two Flows and to try something different. Could I trouble to explain why you chose not to do a screened bottom for IPM? If you've already discussed it somewhere would you please point me to the episode and I'll track it down. Thank you for all you do for us beekeepers.

[@FrederickDunn]

Since the screen would have to run the entire length of the horizontal hive, I opted out. The thicker wood and better insulation are a good trade off in my opinion. The mites that fall to the bottom can be removed by the bees... sure, some may be able to clamor back up to the brood frames, but varroa resistant lines of bees are happy to chew their tiny feet off. Screened bottom boards would be something I'd do if residing in a warmer climate. Neither is perfect, but if they manage the mites through winter with the solid bottom board, I will continue with this form. Also, I like that the bees can reclaim materials that fall to the bottom board, such as wax shingles etc... we'll know more as time passes.

[@robandcindy2]

@@FrederickDunn Thank you !!

[@jpthedelawarebeeman6239]

Hi Fred, I ended up getting the BetterComb kit and enough to do 20 frames. I am going to use it next year.

[@FrederickDunn]

I love that stuff and have it on hot-standby for spring. It's another material that has a polarizing effect on beekeepers. I'm onboard with it as a starter comb for sure.

[@jpthedelawarebeeman6239]

@@FrederickDunn I tried 2 frames of medium Permacomb - The bees filled the 2 with nectar and capped them in the spring. I extracted them and put them back in the hive but the last time I looked they haven't done much with them.

[@BugFarmerBees]

Maybe put a remote camera or a mic in the Long Langstroth brood chamber over the winter so we can check in on them and see how they behave in that type of hive. Just a fun idea. I also have a question if you have a moment. How long should I leave the hive sealed after the OA treatment? I just received my Provap 110 and I plan on treating this weekend. Great video as always. We watch on TV but I had to open the computer to leave a message. Have a great day and thanks for being out there..

[@FrederickDunn]

Six to ten minutes if plenty of time after you've delivered the dose. :)

[@BugFarmerBees]

@@FrederickDunn Thanks Fred. Tomorrow is my first treatment and I don't want to make a mistake and hurt the bees.

[@FrederickDunn]

I'm sure you'll do fine :)

[@planbeeapiaries]

I'd rather get 2 sets of Apimaye hives (when their prices go below 300) than the butler, you get a complete 2 deep hive (2 10 frame deeps each) great for swarm collection, has beetle control, feeders, lids, excluders, pollen collection, etc. all built in, and I am not getting paid by them either. I have 2 and love them.

[@FrederickDunn]

Everyone will select the geat they are the most comfortable with and which suits their end purposes the best. Lots of options these days :)

[@RCWARSHIPCOMBAT]

I think I see a varroa mite on a bee at 19:37. Middle of the screen on the top bar.

[@FrederickDunn]

Caleb! Eagle Eyes! I think you're right! Thank you for that!!!

[@RCWARSHIPCOMBAT]

@@FrederickDunn You're welcome!

[@austinlee6544]

I am in WI zone 3b/4a and started 4 hives this year in May and early June. I pulled over 200lbs of honey and attribute a chunk of it to having 40acres+ of soybeans across the road from me. I saw bees in the beans almost everyday for the month the beans were flowering.

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Austin! That is excellent information. Did you actually visit the soy beans and see the bees working those flowers? We had an early heavy nectar load this year and now I'm thinking that's possibly due to hundreds of acres of soy beans... who knew. Thank you for confirming that information. Was that honey actually soy-bean honey? What did you think of the taste? :)

[@austinlee6544]

@@FrederickDunn yes, I checked the bean field across from the house almost daily at the peak of flowering and the bees were in there every time. I know they say these new strains don't require pollination, but the bees visit them them nonetheless.

[@austinlee6544]

The honey I harvested has gotten great reviews by everyone that has tried it. It definitely had a wildflower start to the taste, but there was something different that kicked in later and I'm assuming that was soybeans!

[@saintjohncoleman8602]

I’ve used Bettercomb since you mentioned its existence, and in my experience, they immediately use Bettercomb before they start drawing on acorn heavy waxed foundation, and use them first for brood, and later for nectar, sometimes before using natural honeycomb. Also, a viewer asked if wax moths and hive beetles would infest Bettercomb and unfortunately, yes. Both pests infest Bettercomb just like they do natural beeswax.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks for sharing!

[@timothymitchell9956]

I just recommended you on Facebook. She is also in Pennsylvania. She has bees in an old barn.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you Timothy... "she"? who? I think this may be out of context... but thank you for recommending me :)

[@timothymitchell9956]

Frederick Dunn I didn’t want to mention her name. Thanks Fred.

[@adde9506]

Have you considered building a version 2.0 next spring? I would be really interested to see how the bees react to your modifications, even if it isn't every possible modification. You could even get really scientific about it and split off a hive from this Long Lang to see how the Same Bees react to the changes.

[@robertmurphy9498]

Iv just built my self a long hive to B.S National specs and im looking at putting my first split next year into it. Iv found that scaffolding boards are a perfect hight leaving around a 1/2 inch gap for bottom bee space plus side bee space if you rest the frame lugs on them and use a thin shim to make your top space. Btw at time frame 19:42 in the top of the shot i spotted a drone with deformed wing virus . Maybe time for to treat for mites as i believe they can spread it.

[@FrederickDunn]

True... 90% of the time, deformed wings are due to varroa mite virus spread. I'll keep an eye on those rascals.

[@Tiffycha1982]

Another lovely video, as always! Thank you for sharing! So, just curious, what should a wintering frame look like in a long long? We have 2 long lang hives as well as the deep horizontal hives like Dr Leo loves. We know what the frames on the deep horizontal should look like for the bees to cluster at bottom and feed on honey at top, but, how much honey, in inches, should be on the frames in the long lang's for wintering?

[@FrederickDunn]

The cluster is near the entrance for now, but will progress laterally towards the hive center as winter progresses since that's where the stored honey is. They have many holds to transit through... we'll see how that goes. :)

[@planbeeapiaries]

For future modifications may I suggest 10 frame sections of screened bottom with slide outs that collect refuse and can be used to hold DE for beetle, wax moth, varroa and other pest control?

[@GornaPaseka]

👍👍

[@waynechattillon550]

people who say that bees don't use better comb for brood are naive Bees will use Any Frame regardless of wither its plastic or wood to bees a frame is a frame they will use it for both storage and brood regardless

[@FrederickDunn]

I obviously agree :)

[@terrir8525]

My Saz package was full of mites. Lots of mite drop right now. Hope I wasn't too late on treating. Going to pick up some better comb for next year and hopefully if they survive the winter, I can make a split.

[@FrederickDunn]

Are you saying they were shipped with a significant mite load? That's terrible!

[@terrir8525]

@@FrederickDunn I don't know why they have so many. I'm a 1st year beek and they were my very first bees. I imagine they could have gotten them from the Italian nuc I got a week later even though they told me they were tested free of mites. Both hives needed help. I plan on OAV one warm day in Jan or Feb for good measure.

[@Makermook]

Neat! I've just built a horizontal hive myself. One question: I notice there were a number of minimally-used frames you pulled before you got to the honey, etc. Would it be better to have less unused space and add only a frame or two at a time?

[@FrederickDunn]

As they are still bringing in heavy load of nectar, those partially filled frames may top right off in the next week.

[@joyharbaugh2853]

Thank you for all your informational videos! I am totally a newbie to this. I am stressing over this winter and that my hive will survive. I am in NE Ohio (not far from you I believe) but my question is I have 2 honey supers on top of my deeps . I have some frames that are full of honey but not capped and I have some frames that maybe 50% are capped. How long should I leave them on there and what do I do with them if they don't get capped within the next few weeks? I know I will need to start feeding them very soon and I feed them from the top as well. Thank you for your time!

[@FrederickDunn]

If you are leaving them on through winter, the bees will take care of that. If you are removing uncapped honey, you can dehydrate it by placing the drawn off honey in an open container in a small space with a dehumidifier running. Takes it down about 1% every 24 hours.

[@timothymeuleners6589]

Thanks Fred for another great and informative video! I am planning on getting my first Package of bees next spring. I live in central Minnesota also zone 4. Would you have a recommendation for a place to purchase quality winter hardy bee?

[@FrederickDunn]

Right now, the Sasktraz bees are looking good, but you should strongly consider bees being sold locally.

[@mdgreer6640]

Excellent video. As a new beekeeper I am learning allot. On another topic. I love your weather station, who makes it?

[@FrederickDunn]

Acu Rite

[@honeypotsbeez5953]

The slow mo is so cool to watch! Not sure if you talked about this but have you tried your Mead?

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes! the mead is finally good to drink! Back in July it was still a little strong.

[@ironleatherwood1357]

I am new to bee keeping, is the flow hive easy also? Thank you for this understandable video.

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, it is, the Flow-Hive is managed the same as any other Langstroth Hive, the only difference is how the honey is taken off when there is a surplus. The Flow-Hive 2 bottom board support system is the best I've found.

[@andyhammond9140]

Looking to build a long lang this year. How many frames do you recommend? I've seen as low as 20 and as much as 48. As always, keep the videos coming, you are an excellent teacher.

[@FrederickDunn]

The magic number seems to be 32 frames.

[@kennith.]

Hi Fred, I assume that this is your 1st year with this form factor can you please give us an update in spring to let us know how the bees have fared over winter in this hive. Next season can you do an experiment and put the "wintering" frames in the middle of the hive vs the edge. That is use a middle entrance vs the side entrance for winter. My thought and question is that if the bees have the side of the hive and then the "air" gap from both sides to the centralised hive then that can provide a gap/buffer. The top also has an air gap to provide a "buffer" of sort. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, I'll be updating on this colony in spring. I won't be reconfiguring the entrance location, however the Layen's hive has entrance options through the year. If I alter, or add an entrance to the existing long Lang, I will lose my opportunity to see how they manage with a single entrance. Thanks for commenting.

[@kennith.]

Thank you for continuing to do research and observations. I find your video really fascinating. I am originally from South Africa and now live Toronto Canada (15 years). I was interested in bees in the early 1990's before I left South Africa. I never really got the in depth education / advice you are giving. This was before youtube :). I seem to recall my mentor telling me to cull the entire hive if there were mites found and having to fumigate the equipment. Even with the correct equipment those hot bees were a handful. I bought most of my equipment from someone who left beekeeping. Sadly life got really hectic and I never really got a chance to do anything.

[@fishmanfairclough7530]

10:35 looks like a bee is using the hole to move between frames which is something suggested by the guys that make the cathedral hive that they use holes in the frame like a highway to move about. My foundationless frames always have these and was watching Dr Leo last night talk about him not using plastic frames due to the bees not being able to bite holes on them where they want.

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, I'm sorry, I thought I covered that in this video... it's why I don't use plastic foundation in this Longlangstroth. Only comb that the bees can completely shape and manipulate. They are masters at controlling their travel and venting pathways. I decided when I set this up in spring, that it would be only natural or bettercomb due to the horizontal form and their dependence on lateral travel.

[@fishmanfairclough7530]

@@FrederickDunn You did explain it I commented with excitement / before you reached that point :)

[@roseroberson5010]

In the long Lang i built--from plans from Horizontal Hive.com, I did modify it some, initially with vent screens inserted in some of the cover boards nearly the full length of the boards about 1 inch wide (as seen on another site selling these hives). Pulled them out when the bees started to prop over them. Went back to the two small 3/4 inch vent holes in two cover boards over the brood area. Sealed them up as well. I have left space under the division board as recommended by Dr. Leo. unemployed bees go in the empty side that does contain empty frames and simply hang out there although they have propped up the cover boards. I also went with the screened bottom board with a solid bottom beneath for trays which has given me the ability to monitor mite drop and kill those that drop off. My concern now is how to insulate that bottom area to reduce heat loss in the winter. I also left approx 1.5 inches of air space above the cover boards, then 1/4 ply with 2" of insulation above that, a feed bag to cover that and more space in the gable (insulated roof as described in Dr. Leo's plans). My plan is to wrap the back, bottom and sides of the hive in 2" foam, turn it directly south and hope for the best this winter. What do you think? Oh, and found at least 4 heavy fully loaded frames of capped honey (natural comb they built) before running into brood with honey frames the other day. Plan on leaving that in there. Is that wise?

[@FrederickDunn]

Lots to observe and learn from. The bees are definitely letting us know they want to control their own air flow and that they prefer the entrance as a source. In my setup, I don't think there will be a need for additional insulation as there will be minimal air movement above the cover boards which they have sealed up. The feeder hole will remain available for those winter warmups if they elect to venture up into that. the cover is also 1.5" thick, so lots of barriers. Keeping the follow board snug also seems to be their plan with propolizing. Local climate may also have an impact on the bee-behavior. With the large bee population, I think they are going to handle that interior space fine, and I think in your case, I'd leave those honey frames for them also. We'll see how it goes. Saskatraz bees are cold weather champions, so that's also probably the greatest advantage when wintering in the north.

[@roseroberson5010]

@@FrederickDunn Thank you for the additional comments and confirmation. I have a mix breed of Italians (the queen) and Carnolians...the mix apparently preferred in this area, Ag zone 6. My cover boards are only 3/4" thick and above the insulated ceiling above that the actual roof is only 3/8". There are 3/4 vents in the 1.5" air space above the cover boards which is not what Dr. Leo's plans called for as I didn't want the ceiling to sit right down on top of the cover boards. I will restrict if not close off that air space as it gets colder. Your bottom and top are much thicker and I was very interested to see how they handled the vents you put in on the bottom. They certainly do tell us don't they. Thanks again for your attention to detail and obvious concern, respect, love for these incredible creatures

[@planbeeapiaries]

SMB at 10:11 ;), that makes me ask how do you do beetle management with one of these?

[@FrederickDunn]

The bees do the beetle management, I'm not in an area that gets heavy small hive beetle loads. I would place beetle jail units in the hive if they became an issue.

[@devinahudson]

Hello Fred. You mentioned that if you were to build this again that you would leave more space between the walls and the frames. Does your current PDF for this hive on tour website have this adjustment? Thanks

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Devin, yes, the current Long Langstroth plans have corrected dimensions for bee-space :)

[@harveyrousejr.2069]

I'm new to bee keeping, however, have read and studied various forms of bee keeping. I'm getting close to making my final decision as to which hive style. I've studied the FLOW system and like the concept, however, find the component's pricy. I've studied the Layens horizontal hive with the European style frames. I like this because you eliminate the lifting. And last but certainly not least the traditional Rev. Langstroth style vertical hive. I won't to be prepared for a late winter 2021 bee placement. I live in a very rural setting and need bee's as pollinators for my large garden and flowers. Any thoughts or recommendations?

[@FrederickDunn]

What did you decide on?

[@stgermain1074]

Hi, Fred. I pulled the inner board from one hive's screened bottom board today and looked at it with the microscope app on my phone. I'd done a mite wash a couple weeks ago seeing 1 mite out of maybe 350 bees. I did see several dead mites on the catch board. Not tons, but of course I didn't survey every inch. I'd say maybe 1 mite per 9 sq inches of board. Should I treat?

[@FrederickDunn]

IF that's all they have as a mite load this late in the year when mite numbers generally rise, it's a toss up. If the bees are already mite-resistant you may be just fine.

[@brendadurant4203]

Is it OK to put the Flow Hive super frames in the freezer for the winter? They have some nectar in them (uncapped) but certainly nowhere near full. Thanks for all you do for us.

[@FrederickDunn]

If you have the freezer space for that, you certainly could do that. But, I personally like to put out any unharvested flow-frames and let the bees clean them up and then I store them for the following season.

[@brendadurant4203]

@@FrederickDunn Thanks so much for your reply!

[@OG-Everthing]

Thank you so much Fred, So interesting that there is no varroa ...I would like to know what do you think about no treatment beekeeping and if you already talked about it in your videos ... what do you think about Michel bush natural beekeeping methods ... thank you for everything :)

[@FrederickDunn]

I was treatment free for 10 years, but have changed my practices and now do treat if the varroa counts are high. My treatment free years cost me about 40% of the colonies every winter on average. Once I started treating the varroa occupied colonies, my losses were tiny. I do believe that if you are not a bee-breeder, you have two choices when your bees demonstrate a mite-load, one... kill the infected colony to prevent suffering and spread, or treat. Leaving them to die on their own and spread disease is not something I'm willing to do. New studies reveal that hives that take on high varroa loads can drive down the survivability of colonies that otherwise would have made it on their own. My only treatment method is Oxalic Acid Vaporization and that has made all the difference.. as needed, spring, and again in fall.

[@OG-Everthing]

It makes sense and I totally agree with you. This is my second year of beekeeping and I have just 3 hives ...I want to try to keep it treatment free and I may change my mind on the way. Thank you so much for your time and for the educative answers :) Peace

[@gonnagetya1433]

Did you catch the misshapen wings at 19:42 (top center)? Only saw the one so not a big deal, but just pointing it out. As for the bald faced hornets, our county saw a huge number of them this year, was running into them quite frequently.

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, one drone with deformed wing virus. We'll keep tabs on the varroa mite levels in all of the hives. You're the second one to spot that! Good eye!

[@lc7014]

Fred at 1:08, are those white mouse guards or robbing screens? Have found some interesting robbing screen designs that people have used 3D printer to make, however unable to find them...

[@FrederickDunn]

They are just entrance reducers in their current position, if you flip them over, they are mouse guards. Part of the BeeSmart Designs Bottom Board configuration.

[@jayglosser2014]

How much are the bee hive butlers? Excellent Video!

[@FrederickDunn]

I think I put a link in the video description.. if I didn't, I'll put one in asap :)

[@CostasHoneyBees]

looking back at some of your older uploads. (revisiting) i have a couple questions. who would you recommend the flow hive to? i have a hard time seeing the market value... will it pay for itself over time? how long? or, would you recommend a long langstroth? with maybe some better comb? or who knows for the true beginner can we go through all of what’s needed to extract honey and the cost to do so (flow vrs. langstroth) because imho a long lang with a wired foundation would be best for both beekeeper and bees. One can get a simple crush and strain on year 2 with the long lang vrs. the flow. i would be interested in your opinion.

[@CostasHoneyBees]

heck even no foundation, curious is all

[@weasleoop]

A Flow hive would take years to pay for itself. You do not get money in beekeeping unless you are selling bee packages or queens. Honey isnt where the money is. I buy Flow hives because its so much easier to harvest honey than uncapping and centrifuging.

[@FrederickDunn]

If your concern is economics, just as I explained in my very first Flow-Super review... the most economic choice in beekeeping is the Standard Langstroth Hive. It's the most widely available, most compatible, most equipment options of any design available today. For those who want honey removal convenience, and who don't have concerns regarding cost, the Flow-Hive 2 is my favorite setup to date. It's not a business model, and I don't think we'll see commercial Flow-Hive industry rising any time soon. The Horizontal Hives, in my opinion, are fun to have, easy to tend, and well suited for those who just want to raise bees without all the lifting and of course, no bending down. Personal preference plays in all designs, as well as geographic location. I think I need to discuss this in a coming Q&A Video... I am also currently evaluating the Layens Hive, which requires a laundry list of custom equipment that doesn't work with other hive designs and frame dimensions. Very confusing for beginners.

[@CostasHoneyBees]

Frederick Dunn, thanks for your response! (from both) this makes sense and now that you mention it im sure i’ve heard that from you before. flow hive is a convenience thing. I have a layens also the lazutin, the lazutin has 2 colonies in it. i will turn the lazutin into a horizontal langstroth next season. the layens is a nice hive if you have spare time to dedicate to the wood shop.

[@Peter-od7op]

Anyway you can use flow hive supers in this type of hive

[@FrederickDunn]

I have no plan to do that and find the concept to be overly complicated. Flow-Supers are best managed on vertical Langstroth boxes in my opinion. :)

[@bumbaclotannihilator8814]

do you have to have foundation less frames? could you have a hole hive with all better comb frames?

[@FrederickDunn]

You "could" have all bettercomb, but I'm in the process of observation the bettercomb and comparing how the bees use it right along side the naturally drawn comb. Ongoing observations.

[@spencerjensen1993]

Hey Frederic! my name is Spencer I have a question for you. I live in Houston Texas. I want to build my own beehive and frames, catch a swarm, and start keeping a hive of bees. I really like the horizontal Layens hive and frames, I like the ease of use for horizontal hives and I like the extra room for honey stores the Layens frames give above the brood on brood frames. I also really like the idea of flow frames. I like the ease of honey extraction for the beekeeper and that it is safe for the bees. Here is my question. Do you think modifying the two systems, Layens hive and flow frames, to work together would be a good idea? I could shorten the flow frame to fit the Layens hive and I would need to put a solid block of wood under the flow frames (leaving bee space), and perhaps cutting holes in the hive for the flow frame mechanism with covers like the flow super or just transfer the flow frames to a stand for extraction. The other option would be to build a long Langstroth hive and put the flow frames in there (along with as many brood frames as the colony need of course :) I wouldn’t need to shorten the flow frames. I would still need to cut holes with covers into the hive or transfer to an outside stand for extraction. What do you think? Could that work? Is it too much for a new beekeeper to reasonably attempt? Maybe more important, would the flow frames save enough time and effort harvesting from a horizontal hive like this to make them worth it as compared to harvesting honey without flow frames? I like the idea of a horizontal hive and don’t really want to use a Langstroth stacking system. Thank you so so much! Your videos are insightful and helpful. It makes me want to keep bees. I love how much information you can find out just by watching the landing boards without opening the hive. I also love how you explain your thought process.

[@FrederickDunn]

Sorry this was three years ago, how did it go for you?

[@djmoulton1558]

Did I miss something or have you not taken any honey off the LLH yet? Next year? And what method of extraction will you use?

[@FrederickDunn]

Did not take any honey off. If I do extract honey, I'll use the standard uncapping and spinning as with any Langstroth deep honey super. Remove Honey Frames - Uncap - Spin - Filter - return extracted frames for cleanup and back to the annual cycle.

[@djmoulton1558]

Okay. Thx.