Stand under the beehive is an indispensable element in nomadic apiary production. It is optimally suited for both group placement of hives, and for a single one.
The standard distance between the ground and the bottom of the hive is about 30 cm. The hives themselves must have a horizontal position or a minimum slope from the entrance. Compliance with this rule is of particular importance for designs with a straight entrance, as it helps to avoid rain entering the hole and water accumulation at the bottom of the hive.
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There are many kinds of coasters suitable for different purposes. The most widespread are combined and wooden products. You can also find coasters made of poles, as well as metal ones, the design of the legs of which can be fixed or folding.
Features
Similar products have a specialvalue in nomadic apiaries, so they must meet the requirements, which include the following:
- ability to withstand a constant load of about 100 kg (the weight of precipitation, bees and the hive itself);
- no maintenance other than moisture protection;
- easy to make;
- collapsible design that does not affect load carrying capacity;
- preserving the integrity of the hives during transportation;
- can be compactly folded for transport in a full vehicle;
- light weight;
- design for easy installation on gentle slopes without the need for ground preparation.
Using timber
A do-it-yourself wooden hive stand can be made from improvised materials. For a large number of hives, two short transverse beams with a sufficient section can be used, on which two longitudinal elements fit. Wood is the best option for transported products due to its weight. But it is prone to decay and requires the use of protective coatings. The lower part of the structure can be replaced with thin-walled tubes or reinforced concrete blocks, but they are not suitable for a nomadic apiary.
In warm regions with little snow cover, where there is no need to constantly use supports, you can choose the section of the bars according to their length.
Featureswooden structures
It is not difficult to manufacture coasters with a base of wooden transverse timber. It is enough to drive two nails without a head into it with a thickness of at least 8 mm. Bars with a length and width of 2, 5 and 10 cm, respectively, act as load-bearing elements. Holes for nails are drilled in them, the connection with which will give the necessary fixation.
Simplicity of construction and low cost of materials are the main advantages of wooden coasters. They can have a variety of designs and are within the power of even a novice beekeeper who has never encountered the need to manufacture such items. As noted earlier, they are prone to decay, due to which the period of operation becomes noticeably shorter. Individual elements, such as cross bars, fail even earlier, as they are constantly in contact with the soil.
Metal and composite products
A beehive stand is quite common, for the creation of which steel plates with a thickness of 20-25 mm are used. It is easy to manufacture and does not require special tools and knowledge. The slabs should have a width of about 15 cm, the stability of the structure is ensured by folds with a depth of at least 40 mm. This design is able to withstand 5 hives. The total width is approximately 2.5 meters, there may be slight variations depending on the variety of the hives themselves.
There are combined hive stands, the photo of which is presented below. They are made up of wooden beams andmetal pipes of suitable diameter. The received design differs in the long period of operation and durability. To prevent the tubes from slipping, strips are fixed on the beam or a fold is cut out.
Additions to metal options
Steel coasters are often equipped with fold-out legs for compact transport. As a rule, a tubular design is made, it is suitable for use with three hives. Excessive immersion in the ground can be prevented by welding metal feet. The possibility of free movement of the legs allows you to install the hives in gentle places, without worrying about the preliminary preparation of the soil. The disadvantage is a rather large mass, complicating transportation. Because of this, the manufacture of steel products for a large number of beehives becomes irrational.
Metal stand for the hive, the size of which allows you to place more than four hives, can have not only folding, but also fixed legs. It is worth noting that in order to increase reliability, it is recommended to install an additional support in the central part.
What kind of hive stands can be used for a nomadic apiary
To be able to install on uneven ground, the legs can be placed at different heights. In order to save more free space in the car, the stands are disassembled before transportation. It is recommended to install fixation screws in such a way that theydo not protrude beyond the sides of the stands, which greatly simplifies maintenance.
Beehive stands made of poles are less common due to their strong connection to the ground, leading to the impossibility of transportation and the rapid decay of the part of the wood that is immersed in the ground. For manufacturing, stakes with a diameter of at least 70 mm are required. They must be driven into the ground at a distance of about 30 cm from each other, round poles are fixed on top of them.
Over time, such a hive stand becomes less stable, so it is used only as a temporary option or in a nomadic apiary. Before subsequent operation, it is necessary to check all elements, if rotten ones are found, replace them with new ones.
Advantages and disadvantages
Different materials are used for the manufacture of structures. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Metal is the most reliable. Products from it will last for a long time, but as stationary stands, as they are heavy. For the manufacture of the structure, additional materials and special tools are needed, for example, pipes and fittings are needed to fix all the component parts. A welding machine will also come in handy.
Among experienced and novice beekeepers, wood is quite popular, the hallmark of which is environmental friendliness and extensive use. The period of operation depends not only on the type of wood, but also onapplied protective coatings to prevent rot and insect infestation.
Blocks and bricks are highly resistant. They are heavy, but ideal for arranging stationary stands.
The service life of plastic products is significantly increased with proper use. But excessive impact can lead to structural failure and damage to the hives.
How to save money
In large apiaries, any improvised materials are used for arranging stands, since buying a ready-made option for all hives is too expensive. These designs are indispensable, as they provide protection against the penetration of insects, moisture and other adverse factors. In addition, it simplifies the inspection of bees, the organization of migrations, the collection of honey and increases labor productivity.
Before you make a hive stand, you should decide on the variety and prepare the tools. This task is within the power of any novice beekeeper. As a simplified option, you can use a wooden box without a bottom, in which foliage or dried grass is poured to reduce temperature changes. The thickness of the walls should be within 4-5 cm. It is worth noting that special attention is paid to the coincidence of the walls of the hive and the structure itself. This is necessary to ensure the stability of the structure against atmospheric phenomena.
It is recommended to complement the metal stand with reliable wide legs and sides along the edges, thiswill prevent subsidence of the soil and sliding of the hives. The minimum height of a stand for a beehive of any kind is 30-35 cm.
