I Fixed The Langstroth Hive (For The Bees AND The Keeper!)

[@vinofarm]

Hi everyone, It's been almost a day and I wanted to respond to some repeated comments and acknowledge a MISTAKE! 1. ERROR: I realize the drawing of the frame with the brood was basically upside down. It was a long day of shooting this on very little sleep and with the looming arrival of my bees the next morning, I was more focused on my overall point and wrapping the shoot than what I was drawing on the board. The honey is usually OVER the brood, not under it. I feel like an idiot. However, the point I was trying to make is the same: The confined space of the Langstroth frames affects how the queen lays her eggs. The detail was wrong, but the main point still stands. 2. I have no desire or intention to "patent" or sell anything in this video and I am not claiming this is any kind of new invention. It's a hack of the Langstroth hive. Like the title says. I made and posted the video to share my ideas in hopes they will inspire others to take them, make something better and then share THOSE ideas. If I post something on the internet, it is meant to be open source. That's the point. Please build one of these and make a video about it! Let's make beekeeping better for beekeepers AND bees. 3. This is not a Layens hive or a National hive or a Dadant hive or any other number of obscure beehive designs mentioned below that I can't even find after googling. It is simply an improved Langstroth hive. It is made using ACTUAL Langstroth boxes. Just like the title says. I fixed all the things that bothered me about the Langstroth hive. It is still a Langstroth hive. 4. This video is not meant to be a solution for why my bees died last winter. This video is a solution to my sore back. I am also attempting to give the bees a more comfortable home for them to live and work. I know I still need to KEEP THE BEES. I know why my bees died last winter and my mite control plans and bee management plans are an entirely different video. One thing at a time. 5. Horizontal and Layens hives are not suited for our climate. I've seen them. I have heard of Dr. Leo. I get it. People love their horizontally oriented hives. That's GREAT! However, I will only ever keep bees in a vertical orientation. Every climate and region in the world is different. I do not expect people in Missouri to use Vivaldi boards or burlap in their hives. This hive I built is the result of me solving problems I've experienced in my backyard over the past 5 years of watching bee behavior. Horizontal hives are not a solution to the problems I have faced. And that's OK! 6. RE: Honey Harvest... It seems people are skipping around and not watching the video before asking questions. THIS BOX IS THE BROOD BOX. Honey will not be harvested from these frames, however, the box will hold regular Langstroth supers during the flows! It is super-able. Watch... 15:18 As always, Thanks for watching! Jim

[@dougstucki8253]

Great points. A cool benefit to your design (versus an entirely different hive) is that you get to use almost all of your original equipment. The only real change is the size of the frames in the single brood box, everything else is just an addition or slight modification. Can't wait to see it in action!

[@3naap]

To hell with the naysayers. If it works for you in your area then more power too you.

[@elariel01]

Fascinating! I'm in Scotland with similar winter/summer temperature issues and your hive hacks/ bee barn look incredible. Could I ask you to do a wee vid either here or on your Insta of how you would check the bottom board without moving the new brood box? And is your plan (once the new hives are established) for honey collection to pop a queen excluder on top of the brood box with a langstroth super atop? Thank you!

[@MrGrintar]

Only suggestion i would recommend is switch the lid from black to white in the summer, and keep the black for the winter. The white lid will reflect heat to help keep it cool while the black will be noticeably warm to the touch in the summer. up to you. hope this season goes great.

[@CyberStrike]

I'm a software engineer, not a lawyer, I would not patent this but I would put an open source license on the Langstroth-Vino Bee Barn. Get credit for the design but at the same time maintaining any control you would like. Such as allowing anyone to modify and change it as long they also have a similar license, prevent it from being sold commercially or must attribute you as the original designer. You an find that rabbit hole at choosealicense.com/

[@Vektorix28205]

All during this I kept thinking "Jim's reinventing the hole-in-the-tree that wild bees evolved to nest in". So when I saw his "It's like a tree!" caption midway through, I knew that's where he was headed. Big believer in sticking as close as possible to naturally-evolved conditions for any animal - I look forward to seeing how this works this summer and what (if any) modifications you make to it in future years with experience!

[@vinofarm]

You got it! Everyone always tells me, "Trees don't have Vivaldi boards" "Trees don't have coroplast." "Trees don't have burlap" Well, my response is, "What bee colony is going to choose to live in a tree with 3/4" thick pine walls?" I'm trying to give the bees what they want.

[@naxgulengames9863]

@@vinofarm This makes me wonder if you could take a dead tree of large log and turn it into a workable hive.

[@wendyme4835]

@@vinofarm bees will colonise such a huge variety of spaces, not just tree hollows, so who can really predict exactly what they want? I’ve seen them build from the underside of a branch, the nest completely exposed. I’ve seen videos of people cutting them out of tyres, or fuel tanks, or cupboards, or compost bins. None of these have those massively thick insulating walls that you’re associating with the romantic view of a wild bee hive. And bees in tree hollows can still die. It’s obvious that you get immense enjoyment from doing a job well, so it was likely a massive blow for you to lose so many hives all at once. While I can see the benefits of your ideas, and I’m interested to see how they work for you, I wonder if the time & expense put into each hive is feasible when scaled up & compared over time. I guess we’ll see. Whatever the outcome, the journey has always been interesting to watch. Thanks for sharing.

[@alx252]

But do you believe, that humans have to get back into their caves, because they lived healthier there? But as long as nobody can really ask the bees, we will never know...

[@vinofarm]

@@naxgulengames9863 My friend Mike did just that! Look up @knottycoppertop on Instagram.

[@somegladmourning443]

I just got the biggest smile at the reveal of the bee barn. So cool. You took your tremendous loss and instead of throwing your hands up in defeat or just settling for doing things over the same way, turned it into innovation. You are an inspiration! I look forward to many videos about how this new design works for you and your bees!

[@moodyroad]

This solves many problems I have seen as well as problems I haven't run into Take credit and name after your Dad Fan

[@houstonbeermother]

💯

[@andygroome9941]

I second the big 😃

[@karenbarletta8573]

No, not directly. But, indirectly, eliminating as much of the struggle with elements and space design, eliminates stress. They mite cope better, with the energy to apply to surviving. In life sometimes timing can be everything. Varroa is one of those things.

[@AmandaTroutman]

I've been gushing about this video. I don't keep bees but I'm so heckin impressed with your ingenuity, dedication, drive, and compassion for your bees. I'm so invested in the success of your beeyard because from day one you've been so willing to let us go on this journey with you - good or bad. I'm so freaking excited for this year on Vino farms.

[@_Pro.Bot_]

Dude same, I don't keep bees either but the idea of observation and optimization of the equipment alone is impressive. Can't wait to go watch your other videos to find out how it came along

[@_Pro.Bot_]

@counselthyself interesting. I'll have to check it out. Not a bee keeper but was interested in the "how it works " idea. Thanks

[@kencollins3565]

Something I have been considering, and thought you may also consider too. In Georgia, my bees can fill 2 deeps. Because your Bee barn mod reduces the weather influences of your winters, may not matter, the Pollen/Nectar flows will be about the same, but your clusters may be larger than you considered-just speculating. Since I have cases of Deep frames. and some old ones too that are drawn, I am thinking about cutting off the top bar and bottom bar centers of frames, join them as a double deep, Leaving just an inch of the top or bottom bars to make the connection and hold the foundations to make a single double deep frame. I'm 73 years old and my back is killing me now and I hated the thought of quitting beekeeping. I thought your bees would now fill double deeps now that you have reduced the weather influences and their home is permanent. Thank you for having a great mind and spirit and being not afraid to think outside the box.

[@robbyanielsen]

I think your followers really appreciate the production value you put into your videos. I've watched your series from beginning to end several times and it's been enjoyable to watch your videography, narrating, editing, and story telling abilities progress. The details that go into sound and layout make your videos stand out compared to other bee channels. You may hear about channels that get their views from ideas and informational content and others who follow because of the relationship and journey. I enjoy your channel as a balance of both.

[@vinofarm]

Thanks!

[@Codeexcited]

Same!

[@andygroome9941]

I agree. I also have followed since the flow-hive unboxing. I have watched many others... but YOUR production value has kept me hooked for all these years.

[@princessagatha9991]

I’m so stinking excited for this video. 2021. Going to be a great year for your new bees. I can feel it. Sincerely, An Armchair Beekeeper.

[@broadbrookapiary9963]

Find a local beekeeper and do an inspection with them..they will be happy to have company and you will learn enough to write a book 🤘

[@princessagatha9991]

@@broadbrookapiary9963 I had a neighbour with a hive but it died. I’ve offered to be her second if she gets another one. There are hives to visit locally, but I should put the word out in my town to see if anyone wants a backup keeper.

[@RedPandaLesbian]

It makes my heart happy to see you excited again! Here's to a successful rebuilding year 💜

[@rebornz1988]

Always exciting to see new stuff being tried out since I started watching from season 2. This channel feels like a discovery channel to understand more about bees.

[@bradkeskey]

Can’t say how much I dig your design. It truly is everything that is wrong with a Langstroth and you have addressed them perfectly. I wish I could’ve dropped my packages into one of those last week! Looking forward to your updates!

[@mikestewart5564]

A good job Jim I’m impressed, and new but you have my attention I have caught 2 swarms this spring and trapped one in a swarm trap I made for some reason one left but I still have 2 I’m thinking strongly about building a hive like yours here in Missouri we don’t get as cold as you but it gets really hot and in my way of thinking your hive might save a lot of bees.

[@lukaslavergne6582]

I admire how you've gathered experiences, found problems, and fixed them. Good job on making a bad situation into a truly impressive restart. I love your channel, keep up the inspiring work.

[@caderector3456]

Looks like Langstroth and Layens had a baby and named it "bee barn". Very interesting concept Jim. Looking forward to the updates as they get settled in. Good luck

[@abigailjacob4043]

Wow, I can't wait to see what the bees do in there! Definitely show us those deep frames when they get them filled up with comb and brood.

[@khione8044]

This guy basically combined the insulated benefits of a Layens hive, while still being able to keep the vertical aspect of a Langstroth hive. Very cool! 👍

[@thekirdistheword]

I’m so excited to see this in action. I stumbled on your channel probably a year and a half after you started beekeeping and binged everything available! Sometimes it’s torture to have to wait and see what happens next, but it’s so fun to go along with you too! Anyway, thanks for introducing me to the wonders of beekeeping!

[@sandydee8003]

Your “Bee Barn” is an engineering Marvel! I can’t wait to see the bees workin in their new Home. Congratulations on building a better beehive. This will help our precious bees.

[@briannad4513]

My question is how much did this cost him! But i like this thought process.

[@sandydee8003]

@@briannad4513 I don’t know, but it looks deluxe. I think someone else asked him that too.

[@dennislintz1]

If you really want to see an engineering Marvel look at David Strout Double Deep Dove Tail Frames for a Long Hive, which is Made out of 2X's for thicker hives. Better for northern climates.

[@karenbarletta8573]

It's not that much in materials. It's the effort getting it right.

[@wendygrant2735]

I'm really happy the old Jim is back. It feels like you just started, full of enthousiasm. I'm excited. The only thing I can come up with is moisture. You created a thermos. But it's too early to say. I'm really looking forward your new adventures. Thumbs up!

[@vinofarm]

Yes, that's the point of the vent/wick box. I'm monitoring humidity and temps in all hives now.

[@beehivewithaview9760]

Backyard beekeepers don't have to do things like commercial beeks. If you and your bees are happy more power to you.

[@weswalker]

I think there was a little sadness for both this year.

[@ronaldkropilak239]

Pa

[@birddawg1568]

Absolutely exciting to see this. I can't wait to see you install the packages and do an inspection. Finally something new in the bee world. Good luck to you & your bees!!

[@patcummins6036]

A great “onbuild” for the Langstroth hive for cold weather! I live on the East Coast of Australia and it never gets down below about 4 o5 degrees C and the bees always seem to fine nectar and pollen all winter, although they do slow down honey production! Congratulations on using your inventiveness to help your bees!

[@dougstucki8253]

I'm quite certain that had you been born during the stone age, you would have been the one who invented the wheel. I love that you are always challenging the accepted norms and thinking of a better way. Brilliant!

[@notapplicable531]

Likely would have been the guy who discovered the concept of agriculture as well.

[@CastleHives]

I'll be following along to see how this does. I'm trying a Horizontal for a first time this season. Love the design you came up with. . Cracked me up with the Ibuprofen reference. .

[@mekan0001]

I really hope this video gets some traction. This really is a marvel and deserves recognition.

[@LegendHold1]

You assessment of how the bees would like to build their hive I think is dead on! Love your innovation.

[@weirjwerijrweurhuewhr588]

I don't think bees naturally want to store honey under the brood at all. Look at how bees generally tend to organize their colonies when given free choice. Look at top bars, look at hives hanging freely from trees. Always honey on top / sides of the brood nest.

[@rockridgebees1417]

I really enjoy watching your videos and good luck with your bees this year! I also agree with the idea of giving the bees/queen more brood space that doesn't get interrupted when one does inspections, etc. For a trial this year, I designed a horizontal Langstroth hive that has a "double-deep" 8 frame brood section but transitions to single deeps along the remainder of the hive. I moved a swarm into it a couple of months ago and it's working great so far! I love seeing beekeepers devising well-engineered solutions to make hives better for the bees and beekeeping easier.

[@bryanrulz3904]

Jim, the modifications look very cool. I love that you are re-purposing existing equipment and I think that you are on to something. I can't wait to see how your summer unfolds! Thank you for continuing to make content and keeping such a positive attitude. You are a breath of fresh air in a world full of negativity my man!

[@EtainMcCloud]

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[@heathersfeatherfarm3245]

I LOVE this. I can't wait to watch how this goes. I love the name the "bee barn" nearly cried with your losses this winter.. :( ..love your family and farm! Been watching for years! Let's do this!!!

[@ZelmaBees]

When life give you lemons...make lemonade! Love your creativity and wishing you a successful experience. Looking forward to seeing the progress.

[@karenbarletta8573]

I appreciate you looking out for the girls and trying to arrange things which make sense TO them, as well as for them. They are stuck adapting to ideas limited by the imagination, and some pretty old concept limitations. Whether things evolve as well as I think they might, your bees are going to be happy bees. And, after all, isn't that what it is all about? I'm certain you will know. Congratulations!

[@bradgoliphant]

Again, Amazing job Vino. Congrats. I love that you are thinking outside the box, much like what I do. I support you.

[@vinofarm]

Thanks, Brad.

[@Diymarta]

I SO agree with the insulation idea. I don't tell people that I keep the insulation on year round cuz the answer is always "they've been doing this for thousands of years" to which I want to answer "inside treetrunks that are highly insulated." Good for you, Jim!

[@vinofarm]

Yes, it hit me recently that year round insulation is probably the way to go.

[@kretz130]

Wild beehives in tree trunks have much larger/multiple entrances that the bees can modify as they see fit. And I have never seen a wild hive encompassed on all sides by 4 inches of solid unrotted wood. And they are oftentimes in the shade of the forest, not direct sunlight which is a big difference in temperature.

[@allennearing5846]

I am glad that I am not the only one! Everyone here looks at me with a puzzled look. I am a keeper in Phoenix, AZ so we have different problems, but one thing that many forget is that insulation works BOTH WAYS! The things yo do to keep a space warm is similar to what you do to keep a space cold. And the current "nominal" sizing/thickness of lumber in boxes is no where close to the insulative values bees find in tree trunks and old logs. I was about to embark on an insulated horizontal deep but might give this a try. Looking forward to plans!

[@michaelpisapia]

AMAZING work Jim- you addressed all the vulnerabilities - your improved design is GENIUS!! I LOVE the 'no box lifting' way of doing things. I am so excited to see this in action. Thank you for the continued great content and for taking us along on your journey!! This is going to be a 'MUST WATCH' series of videos ahead..!

[@benlangton3484]

Ibuprofen count 😂😂😂 you must have been chugging them like smarties with over a dozen hives. (Please include the count in the future it really made my day)

[@cochechohoneybees1060]

Excellent video Jim. Thank you for taking the time to explain your ideas for improving the Langstroth design. I live in So. NH, I've been bee keeping for four years and I have had a lot of thoughts on how I might improve my hives to better protect them over the seasons. I've even been looking at the new plastic insulated Langstroth beehive. I don't like plastic, so I think you really nailed it here. Over the winter I am going to build this exact design as a 10-frame Langstroth with two double deeps and a 10-frame Langstroth with one medium and one double. I also subscribed to your KZbin channel and set up notifications. Thanks again. Tom from NH

[@oldgreenwichhoney7460]

Well done. Lots of great thought and solutions. I really like eliminating all the changes/rotating of boxes to help beekeepers backs stress. I have over 50 hives here in CT. With warming winters I don't think I need all the insulation but many other ideas are worth looking into. Yes, I noted the whiteboard mistake. Figured you would catch it or someone here would. Not to worry. Keep up the great work and beekeeper thoughts.

[@mbgal7758]

This seems like a great idea. I’ve seen many videos of cutouts in houses and even open air colonies (in much warmer places of course 😆)and when bees have lots of space you’re absolutely correct, they make a circular brood pattern surrounded by pollen, surrounded by honey with some drone comb along the bottom. I think this will be much less disruptive to the bees, especially in your cold climate you won’t be breaking their propolis seals like you would in the standard configuration. I’m excited to see how this goes. I think it’s so nice you were able to turn your losses into something amazing.

[@EtainMcCloud]

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[@rstlr01]

The only issue I have with this design for winter is the fact that it still vents all the bees drinking water out the top of the hive. I really wish he would design one that the roof was as well insulated as the sides. If condensation it’s happening on the side walls the bees drink it and use it for breaking down sugar bricks/thin honey. Insulation is better than ventilation and that burlap is not gonna offer even a quarter of the Insulation that the sides are. They also have been studies showing that higher CO2 levels during winter may have an adverse effect on the mites which can’t happen if you’re venting everything out the top.

[@mbgal7758]

@@rstlr01 it still has the thick top cover plus a standard insulated lid plus that other lid on top of that. So it’s at least as well insulated on top as a regular bee hive. You have to have some way for condensation to escape or else it will rain on the bees. If doesn’t just happen on the sides.

[@rstlr01]

@@mbgal7758 it’s still doesn’t fix his previous issues all that R-value on the sides does nothing if you’re letting all the heat straight out the roof.

[@mbgal7758]

@@rstlr01 his bees most likely died of varroa. Bees survive in trees with much less protection not to mention bee hives. I think there’s nothing to be gained by being negative. You don’t know how it will go anymore than I do but I think it’s an improvement over a standard langstroth or layens hive even.

[@LittleDergon]

Really liking the changes you've made :) I hope those big frames aren't going to be too heavy when full of honey Also, I'm loving the shape- it's a strangely pleasing aesthetic shape and I can't wait to see your bee yard full of little bee barns ☺️❤️ 🐝

[@vinofarm]

I will mostly be lifting them when they're full of brood, so much lighter. When they're full of honey (the fall/winter) I don't need to touch them.

[@Wosiewose]

Amazing, Jim!! Can't wait to see how you (and the bees) like it! I especially like the way you provided a place for the bees to make drone comb and/or queen cells.

[@tgmitch18]

I’m excited to see how this works for you! I had a similar idea 2 years ago and built a horizontal Langstroth style brood chamber that holds 18 deep frames. Two eight frame supers can sit side by side on top. 2 inch foam board is used as insulation on all surfaces. All of my bees survived the winter this year, so I feel like I’m on to something, and having your entire brood chambers accessible without lifting any deeps is super convenient. I just wanted to say, nice job. It will be cool to see how the new system works out for you!

[@maddavo565]

Very interesting! I was very sorry to see your devastating post-winter video a couple of months ago and am pleased to see you've been hard at it trying to work out how to get your bees to survive winter. Hope it works!!

[@VOKTAA]

Just a watcher, not a beekeeper. But i've got to say this is seriously impressive. it's obvious you took the time to design this. I'm really excited to see how it works.

[@iamziano]

Looks cool, Jim! But please, patent your design. And if you're ever gonna modify the name, consider incorporating the word "Vino" onto it. Grapes may have been unsuccessful in the farm, apple trees get problems every so often; but this creation may turn into a very profitable business one day. So name it good, and secure your rights for the hive design. So excited to see them filled with bees 🥰☺️

[@fragsnotdrugs7429]

👍👍👍

[@EtainMcCloud]

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[@vinofarm]

Not sure this is patentable. I'm not planning on making money on it. Consider it open source. If someone else makes money on it, at least people will know where it came from.

[@briannad4513]

@@vinofarm i think it'd be great if someone used ur design but u still get credit for it AND a percentage of what they make off the product. Honestly i would do that but im not good at wood working. n people say im tooo nice.

[@julieenslow5915]

@@vinofarm Essentially, this video does give you some copyright protection. But it is flimsy protection. Making it an open source is generous to a fault. You can copyright or patent it and still let people use it for free. Nothing wrong with covering your options. Talk to an attorney Jim. Just a thought.

[@dan.vitale]

You need to patent this Jim. Amazing.

[@alx252]

It's already done. It's called Dadant hive. It's what brother Adam did since 1950. :) And you can get it in styrofoam off the shelf...

[@Lombricompostagefacile]

@@alx252 not sure that Dadant hives are what Jim has just created.

[@frederikandreasen5211]

I think it’s more like layens hives.

[@Killtrobal]

long live piracy

[@mmk421]

Exactly the same beehives been used in eastern Europe for centuries in climates colder than New England. (Without your summer addition)

[@carlmarburger7513]

People who think these hive modifications are your fix for the die off have not been listening to you. I live in the SF Bay Area where the weather is unbelievably mild and I have one hive. So, much of the modifications you've done don't really apply to me. However, I am impressed with the amount of thought you have put into your redesign as well as how much thought you put into figuring what caused the die off. I am looking forward to seeing how these changes work out. Keep the videos coming. I am really curious as to how this goes. Thanks, and good luck!

[@lukebaker7389]

I LOVE this. I live in the Twin Cities and I'm a second year bee keeper. I lost my hive the first year and I just got two more packages for this year. This all makes so much sense for cold climates.

[@gmflash88]

Aspiring beek here checking in from the St Croix Valley. Can anyone point me in the right direction for where I can get some hands on experience before I dive in? Thinking of starting in 2023

[@hymnodyhands]

The Vino Farm Bee Barn... You may be on to something!

[@MsrKSDisque]

Can't wait to watch the videos this summer! I love how you are creatively solving problems. And it is gorgeous as well.

[@frostfire827]

I live all my bee dreams through you. love your design, looking forward to your updates on this box!

[@scott2384]

Great Video! I'm always having fun trying to come up with what I feel are improvements for my bees. It's obvious a lot of thought has gone into this project and want to thank you for sharing. Best of luck to you and the girls this year.

[@msyjsmolyk6272]

Rookie/aspiring beekeeper here (first package coming next week!). I’ve seen so many people complaining about all the issues that you set out to fix, but they never do anything about it. I really liked the idea of the super deep frames of a horizontal hive, but through research came to the same conclusion as you, that they aren’t best for a northern climate. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this goes; maybe I’ll switch over in a year or two!

[@Donovan_J19]

The bee community needs more great minds like you. This is an amazing invention that could revolutionize the bee world. Thank you!

[@naxgulengames9863]

It almost looks like the middle step of evolution to the Flow hive. Looks better than any basic hive but, works like an old fashioned one. This is the kind of hive you want when you want to show off that you have bees. lol

[@Donovan_J19]

@@BellahWorks the apimaye hive has the boxes like the langstroth that Jim is trying to rid of. Plus it's mostly made of plastic and is unnatural

[@alx252]

@@Donovan_J19 ... Yeah, the natural styrofoam in this give us a big improvement... Haha ..

[@Donovan_J19]

@@alx252 that compared to the whole thing being plastic. And the bees aren't in contact with the styrofoam either

[@Donovan_J19]

@@BellahWorks I'm not discrediting them I'm just showing their flaws

[@Mulberrysmile]

Love it! Can’t wait to see it go through this coming year 👀 I have two thoughts to toss out: First is the open foam on the bottom. Insects and rodents both will want to use it for a home. I think having something like a detachable window screen cover with metal screen would help prevent it from being chewed up. Second is the area behind your spacer boards. If the bees will not be able to get to it for cleaning, it becomes a hiding place for mites. It might be good to put sticky traps for mites in there if you can work out how to hang them. I really like that you’re considering how the bees choose to set up house in the wild, while also thinking of functionality for your tasks!

[@vinofarm]

I'll keep an eye on the lower foam. I had that thought as well. I wanted it to be easy to pop off if they needed more ventilation, so the screen would need to be easily removeable too. I put a lot of thought into making everything tight to keep critters out. It's all tweakable as I go.

[@m.scotthern6306]

I agree on the rodent issue with exposed foam. I have had them chew through a 3/4" ply before. Also the space behind the interior shims would be a place for small hive beetles to be. Those frames will be heavy. My idea was to use a layens frame brood box and thicken the walls to accept langstroth supers. I do like the enginuity and the fact you saw it through. Congrats.

[@cesargrimm]

Can’t wait to see the follow up video’s! I hope you film putting the bees in it! I think its a very clever design. Greetings from Belgium

[@binns54]

I love the idea Jim. One suggestion regarding thickness of foam insulation. As we know many bees survive with 3/4" pine with an R value of ~1. If you add 1" of foam, that R value goes up to ~6. I suggest that is plenty - the equivalent of 3.5" wood which would be typical of what they may find in a tree cavity. Using 2" foam taking the R value up to ~11 may be over kill and increase construction complexity.

[@kookiboy]

Damn ! This is brilliant ! We been building hives today too ! Can't wait to see this new design full of bees. You've clearly been thinking this project. Wow, very impressive.

[@suthrnmd]

I love the way your mind works Jim! Creating and learning and continuing to share your ideas and collaborate with all of us who just want to help the bees live. I appreciate your drive and your willingness to share. I'm excited to hear what the bees have to say about it all. 🐝❤️

[@BlanchardsBees]

Hope it works out for you VINO. Will be interesting to see how it turns out.

[@chuckdiesle]

Absolutely right I was reading an article about bees and their temperature controll a study showed they put a hive on a lava field, hot (obviously not free flowing lol) and put some hives in a cooler climate and the temp inside the hives where the same!! Fascinating I say!!!

[@schievel6047]

Really nice to see that you put some thinking into your box and bees. That’s why I like beekeeping as my hobby. It’s never finished. There’s always something to optimize, adapt to your climate and your bees, etc. It’s also interesting to see what trends there are in different countries. In Germany they used to insulate the boxes, and some older beekeepers still do it. But some years ago the trend changed and people said it’s important for the bees to feel the cold to adapt to it. (Tbh I think this is mostly about better application of oxalic acid in winter because they are sitting in a tighter ball)

[@joliearmas3386]

That's well thought out. I'm looking forward to seeing how well the new Bee Barn hive works out for you. Congratulations!

[@deancrandley8983]

I am in northwest Ct and a newbie to bee keeping. I just put my first colony in a horizontal hive on Monday. I know nothing about what I am doing and only chose a horizontal set up for the insulation factor. I really want to try this design as well !! A friend here in town lost 7 of 8 langstroth colonies this past winter also. I will be sharing these vids with her !! Thanks for the great content.

[@vikombucha]

Since we are in this advemture I've watched allllll your videos and taught you were the most smart beekeeper. I had the idea of leving the insulation all year long but the problem was the inspection. You solved my problem. I'll built something like that also ! Vivaldi everywhere (4 seasons)

[@williamditta3956]

Outstanding and thoughtful insight. Innovation is something the bee community lacks. Thanks for your time and effort.

[@thesciguylittle]

This is awesome, great work! I've kept 2 inch foam permanently on my double deeps for a few years now, once I thought about the insulation in a bee tree! (Lots of it, doesn't change with seasons) But I only tied mine on with cord! You've done a great job of designing and crafting a very good home for your bees. I hope it helps reduce the pressure from mites, as well, just by having happier bees!

[@patriciavanasperen8987]

Wow! Genius redesign! It’s a great extension of the bees natural hive environment! Laughs at the ibuprofen count! These changes are thoughtful and considered and a result of all your real experiences in the colder environment so I wish you much success! Will be watching for all your updates!

[@calliknudsen]

Did anyone else laugh out loud when ibuprofen started getting counted?

[@sala_evans]

I literally loled

[@notapplicable531]

My doctor has advised me not to use ibuprofen as one side affect of using it would definitely be negative for me health wise. I won't say how. I started cringing when the count started to get high, although I saw the humour in that a large amount of pain killer being needed likely for headaches and back aches. After all, when things get so bad or absurb, laughing is the only thing to do.

[@mattsara2802]

LOL yes I did too. hahaha

[@jmom5735]

YES! Clever man.❤️🐝🐝

[@ryansmith9711]

My head hurt too much to laugh... could've used some ibuprofen. :)

[@scifiaddict]

I just hope the top bar is sturdy enough to hold the extra weight

[@vinofarm]

Notice the 1/8" birch plywood gussets in each corner? It's plenty strong!

[@danielhiller9165]

I experimented with 2 deep sheets of foundation turned on their sides with no top bar problems. a deep sheet is 2x longer than it is wide so it makes a square. had the end ones in a 10 frame box full of honey.

[@dorihallberg7444]

@@danielhiller9165 That's a great idea. Did you try this last year, or is this the first season?

[@nkapiariesjeffbeezos796]

@@danielhiller9165 the point on the comb normally points downward, sounds like your bees adjusted because being sideways orientation changes

[@kylew1385]

Quite the marvel Jim! One of the benefits of being a hobby beekeeper is having the freedom pamper our bees without worrying about profit. I would LOVE to see a video instructional on how you made those frames/spacers. This is something I would love to do myself, I don't need the insulation as I am in FL, but I love the idea of never having to split my brood boxes in half for inspection. I run double deeps year around, but I think a deep/medium would probably be the sweetspot.

[@kevincount]

Absolutely brilliant. I love how you problem solved an issue your have been faced with since the start. I'm looking forward to see how this all plays out in practice. Again, well done Jim. Thank you for sharing the journey.

[@garycallahan4520]

I agree with Amanda Troutman. I am impressed with all the thought you have put into your design and the reason for each construction design you made. I have only kept bees in 2020 and experienced a single hive absconding an the end of my season here in NC. I have constructed a second hive (both Ware) and am very interested in following you and your experience with this design and your new bee yard. Good luck with your "Bee Barns".

[@codyburgess6072]

I am completely new to beekeeping just got my first bees this week, but I really like your design. I plan on stealing some of the features you have included. Liked and subscribed

[@goswami]

I love it! Always love these engineer solution type videos can't wait to see the bees poke holes into many of the concepts. Trial and error but that's what it's all about.

[@zebulonpike3147]

I’ve watched this three times and it’s brilliant. You’ve inspired me, sir. Thank you.

[@tomasjosefvela1]

Love the way your brain works man!!! We're so excited to see whats to come this year, thank you so much for bringing us along.

[@mckimsherman9719]

Great job Jim.... any thoughts of providing plans for us "not so great carpenters" to try and follow???

[@vinofarm]

There will be a video series posted before the end of the year. Stay tuned.

[@NikiCanotas]

Ya gonna go into production in that new barn...? Excellent for a hobbiest! I couldnt do this with 200 hives. My hives move too much. And they live in California. What an amazing project. You have really done a tremendous amount of project development

[@vinofarm]

Yeah... This is not for everyone. It's just for me... and anyone else who feels like building one. Thanks!

[@MrMigrantman]

Yeah, you are quite inventive. Now if you figure out how to harvest honey without removing the supers ....... actually you could put your Flow supers on top during summer and you will have a most interesting Innovation in hobby beekeeping! It is already quite impressive.

[@Mulberrysmile]

@@vinofarm I would buy a kit, even if I’d prefer fully constructed, lol. Kit would ship easier, too. Maybe you could partner up with someone already doing hive kits?

[@NikiCanotas]

@@MrMigrantman he will have a great channel: the Barn Flow Hive.... LOL!

[@naxgulengames9863]

@@NikiCanotas Or perhaps the Flow Barn Bee Hive. lol

[@candeevaniderstine8064]

That is so thoughtful, creative and inspiring. I can't wait to see how the girls like it. Please keep posting the live results.

[@W3BKY_73]

Looks awesome! Love the creativity. We’ve been trying to figure ways to manage insulation year round without attaching the separate panels. We believe the insulation reduces temperature swings in the hive, and helps the bees regulate it more easily. We also love our slatted racks, and the way you’ve tunneled the entrance would work similarly to give the brood a little buffer. It’s much more like a natural hollow tree. One change we would make is a way to ‘splay’ the legs or a 90 metal tab on 2 opposing legs with a stake to fasten the hives to the ground. We thought our hive stands were plenty beefy, but one was blown forward on its face this Spring during a microburst. The boxes were ratcheted together to the stand, but the bottom board caused enough of an offset (another reason to eliminate it) to permit the boxes to slide just enough to gap them for the pouring rain. Hive survived, but the queen did not. Also, we ‘plug’ our vent holes during winter and only unplug that which is needed to keep burlap dry. We have a lot more wind than you and weren’t comfortable with so much thermal loss through the top. This winter, 2 was plenty. We leave ventilation on year round and unplug more for large hives when temps reach 90s. We changed emergency feeding from fondant or mountain camp on the frames to dry sugar in rapid round under a burlap pillow (we fill ours with cedar). That way we can update emergency sugar without opening the inner cover box in lower temps. This winter was so long and cold that we ran out of emergency stores in mid February and had many frustrated weeks waiting for even a small warmup. In addition, it makes a lot less mess in the hive for bees to have to clean up. We have fed syrup either mason jars in a frame on the inner cover but are slowly transitioning to rapid round because we can refill without exposing bees, and the jars and pails can leak (noticed mostly with cold night temps and hot sunny days), which anecdotally seemed to attract stronger hives to those which we were feeding.

[@vinofarm]

Great tips. My hives weigh close to 100lbs including the stands, which they are strapped to. Add in bees and honey stores and I don't think wind will be an issue. They are much more stout than a regular hive on a stand. Ventilation is something I've been reading a LOT about. I have a lot of people sharing articles that are making me think twice about ANY ventilation over winter. My inner cover design is very adjustable and easy to close down if I do decide to close it up for winter. I have a few more months to decide what to do. I'm thinking I will leave it open with the burlap through October when they are reducing stores and syrup and there is a ton of excess moisture in the hive, but will probably shut it down for the 4 coldest months. Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb will probably just be super insulated with no upper openings. I'll re-open the upper entrance in March for cleansing flights. I am now monitoring humidity and temps in the hives,and it's been a real eye opening. I'll be getting into that this season. Thanks!

[@richardmingo3194]

I love it! Can't wait to see how it turns out. Any cross comb in a super deep is going to be trouble. Follower boards were an excellent thought, will give you lots of room to work and adjust space.

[@brabhamfreaman166]

Love the design and appreciate the significant effort into thought process, rationale. Wishing you happy beekeeping. Always loved your honesty and openness. Bravo!

[@arpeltier]

I can't wait to see how your new bees do in the new Bee Fortress!! Amazing work.

[@marinashwarma1845]

So impressive! I hope the bees love their new home and I am interested to see if they create a more spherical design like you believe they might.

[@dagandreassen8446]

I love that idea and have done it myself on our standards hive we have in the Netherlands. Here we don't use Langstroth hives but Dadant or Segerberger. We only have them in 2 sizes, deep for brood and half of a deep for honey. So it takes some time to learn and understand WHY you need to have 3 sizes...

[@rab2020]

Amazing innovation. I’m so hyped that I got my wife to watch this. I AM making a version of this. I don’t need the insulation or wicking as I’m in South Florida but I can’t wait to see those big frames loaded with bees. Well done!

[@landru6053]

Awesome!!! Been watching since day one, excited to see how the new boxes work.Best of luck!!

[@drrota]

Nice redesign! Great job. I like how you calculated the box changes. Lot's of pros. A design VERY close to the Layens idea, but vertical instead. The main design cons: You'll have ant problems if there are any gaps/warping where insulation is - unless its sealed really tightly. Be sure there's no open/exposed insulation, as mice may make a winter home there. (Just add wood sheathing, and you should be all set.) Moving hives is not a huge deal, but its just less mobile. The other pro that you don't mention - its far more bear resistant. (thicker). If your hives do get too hot in the summer, you can pull out the bottom insulation - OR with a hole saw on the insulation, add another bottom vent that can be plugged in the winter. Also you can add a black coroplast skirt under hive stand in the winter, to add more heating from below. Nice Job on the Barn Hive!

[@Rayxster]

Those aren't Bee-Barns.. they're Bee-FORTRESSES!

[@SpencerBrennan001]

All Bee Base are belong to Jim

[@MegaSagacity]

You could give the bees water with a mote lol

[@johnm1570]

All looking very French castle Holy Grail-ish!

[@darkluster4]

I LOVE THIS! Less moving parts and disturbances = less stress on the bees. They'll be happier AND healthier. :D

[@artsantore8791]

Wow I Can't wait to see how the bee's take to this new setup. Great work and love all of you videos.

[@pierreclement5910]

Love it .thank you for sharing .And I know you will not hide anything good or bad happening,thank you for your integrity

[@themulletexpress]

Haha I must have said at least 10 times throughout the video shut up and take my money!!!! Seriously though I really think you should patent this design. It's bloody brilliant. And also thank you for answering my questions right away. Literally said what about the summer then you answered it. I'm super excited to see how this all works out but I think it's brilliant. I'm in nj so I've mimicked a bunch of your processes and can't wait to see this one come to fruition.

[@vinofarm]

It's not something patentable and that is never my intention. It's all open source. Take my ideas and make them better and then share them!

[@khills]

@@vinofarm Jim, you should release it under an open source license. Make it so anyone can use and even improve on your idea, but can’t monetize it themselves.

[@StoutShako]

This invention is gonna have Advil's stock drop like a stone in a river! I love it! Take care of that back, my guy!

[@cbbees1468]

This is like the Humvee of beehives in that it can be configured to adapt to many different scenarios.

[@caitlyngeorge5645]

Humbee Hive! Should be the new name for his invention!!

[@karenbarletta8573]

Ooh! Hmmm!

[@mikewatson2597]

Love your videos. I started beekeeping and quickly found you on youtube. I've been following ever since. My bees came out of winter queenless and as I was looking for ideas on how to correct that so early in the season, I saw your video and was horrified to see your loss. However, necessity is the mother of invention and you have certainly taken the opportunity to level up your game. I am really looking forward to seeing how your Bee Barn performs. Wishing you all the best.

[@MarkMilotay]

This is all completely brilliant. I have been working for several years to come up with a new hive design to address the challenges of where I live, and you've solved so many of them with your. I can't wait to see your progress with it. The one challenge I am trying to figure out from this, is how to keep wasps out. Where I live the wasp problem is significant. They're active from March to December and are able to take a hive down in short order.

[@neospiderman2165]

From tragedy comes triumph This is soo cool I cant wait to see have it goes

[@georgehart8385]

Really thought provoking design. Especially when you divide it into 2 parts. 1/ One is the "tall" Langstroth frames which allow for a more natural vertical span, as well as much easier lateral movement from frame to frame. Sometimes winter starvation occurs simply because of the difficulty of lateral access to honey frames at the edges. 2/ Temperature control through thick wood /Foamular walls. Here in Midcoast Maine on the St George River winter can serve up 0 F days with winds at 35 mph gusty to 50 mph for 3 days straight. My solution path was 4 inches of Foamular coupled with an 80 watt truck battery heater control by a precise digital thermostat measuring the temp at hive center. When the bees got into trouble maintaining their comfort zone the heating pad would give them a little boost. As in your case the Broodminder sensors do a great job of keeping one apprised of how it's all working, including humidity. MY QUESTION: Can you think of any way of "transitioning" an existing colony to your structure. Wish I had seen the video a week ago. Just picked up 3 replacement colonies a week ago and right now they are snug in a deep "enjoying" the 45 degree temps of this Memorial Day weekend. I'd love to shift them to your design but I can't see how to do that at this point. BTW ages ago I invented the excimer laser used in Lasik eye surgery, and for all integrated circuit manufacturing. As a gov't employee I only got $75 for the patent. Never really felt "cheated" Full compensation came just a few years later when a commercial pilot I bumped into explained how Lasik had saved his career. Or each time I use an iPhone knowing I helped open the door to the miraculous tech that now surrounds us.

[@pmx-1984]

We actually have these frames here in Germany in every bee store. They called „deutsch normal 1 1/2“ works fine and the bees seem to be much calmer.

[@vinofarm]

They are not anything I had ever heard of before. I’m not having any luck with google. Do you have a link? I’d love to check them out.

[@pmx-1984]

@@vinofarm you can see an example here in this video (unfortunately it’s in german) kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5KzdIh9Z92ljLs basically they are just 1,5x of our normal frame size. so we can instead of using two brood supers we can only use one brood super with these xl frames. Overall I really like your new hive. Wish you all the best for this year ;) keep on beekeeping an making this lovely videos.

[@rebeccafoust2963]

@@pmx-1984 Looks like foundationless is working well for him. Thanks for sharing the link. I have a couple of initial theories as to why the plastic sheet was placed between the top of the frames and the cover, do you know his reason or intended purpose?

[@gregw3437]

@@vinofarm Just google "lazutin frame". Pretty old topic. :)

[@BlueSnowLeopard1]

this is an amazing design. i really love it and you did a great job on it. i love the name 'bee barn' it looks like a barn too imo. i cant wait to see what the bees do with it. its so exciting! thanks for the texts too. i enjoyed reading it and helped me learn more about what you were doing and talking about.

[@MrBigCookieCrumble]

I absolutely L O V E this and your way of thinking, been interested in getting into beekeeping and this adresses SO many of my issues with many of the different beehive options out there, wonderful ingenuity on display here!