I am going to be selling hives again this year. We have a limited number of hives this year, so let me know early so we can make sure we have what you need and get you set up right. I only sell what is called a medium box. These boxes are 6 5/8 inches tall. I have deep boxes (9 5/8 inches) in my operation, but for hobbyist it is best to have all the same size boxes. I am actually moving away from my deep boxes and try to avoid using them. I prefer mediums compared to deeps for a number of reason. The biggest reason is working with the weight. A full deep can be around 100 lbs. A medium typically is about 50-60 lbs. This is pretty heavy considering the bees will use propolis to glue them together. In my experience the bees expand into a medium more readily than a deep box. I have also found the frames tend to last longer because they aren't holding the weight that the deep frames do. The kits I am sell will include 5 medium boxes assembled with water resistant glue and 16 gauge staples. These boxes are built to last. The corners are box jointed and the top joint is modified to be 1 5/8 inches vs 3/4 inches. The top joint is the weakest joint because of the rabbit cut for the frame rest. By making it 1 5/8 inches it now has added strength and shouldn't blow out as easy. This is an unique box that only one company makes as far as I know. It is made in the USA out of ponderosa pine.
The frames are made in the USA as well and so is the foundation. The foundation is black plastic and coated with real bees wax. This is the best combination of frame and foundation that I have found. The bees seem to adopt it better than anything else I have used.
The tops this year are a migratory top or a California top. I have used both the telescopic cover and the California tops and I am converting to the California top as it is just easier to work with. You can also create a top entrance if you would like. It just seem a lot more versatile and you don't need an inner cover with it.
The bottoms are a solid reversable bottom. One side leaves a bee opening of 3/4 inch and the other side is 3/8 inch. The 3/8 inch is a good size for the winter and the 3/4 works good in the summer. These also come with an entrance reducer.
The kit also comes with a division feeder. This is a plastic feeder that replaces two frames and has a cap and ladder cover so you don't have as many bees drown. These feeders work really well and you can use them over and over.
Finally the kit comes with a 3lb package of bees. This is approximately 9,000 bees and one queen. You can choose from either a Carniolan queen or Cordovan Italian queen. Both breeds work really well in Utah. Here is a link to a prior post that explains the
different breeds. These packages come from Koehnen & Sons in California and are good quality packages.
All of this for only $275. We will give you an introductory class when you pick up the bees and be a coach an mentor along the way. If you want two or more, we will offer a discount. The equipment comes unpainted. If you would like it stained it will be an additional $30.
Starter hives will be the same as above, but will only have 3 boxes instead of 5 and will be $215.
If you want hive components or bees here are the following prices:
Medium hive boxes (assembled with frames and foundation) - $35/box
Heavy duty California top - $12
Reversible bottom w/ entrance reducer - $12
Division feeder for 6 5/8 box - $10
3lb package of bees $82
Let me know if you have any questions. I would love to help you get started. 801-796-2114
Happy Beekeeping
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