open bottom board system

[RdnckBkpr]

I read the article about open bottom board design & use in the Dec. Bee Culture. Looked around on the net to find more info and design plans, but came up empty handed. Does anyone have plans for OBB ?? Does anyone have any input on the use of OBB ??

[Brandy]

There are many great plans for SBB's that I would just modify without the cut out for the "tray" to run into. However I feel there are some good reason's to be able to use the slide in board; i.e. for mite counts, to catch the powdered sugar, etc., so I would leave the cut out part of the design and use the tray as needed.

[Michael Bush]

If you really want an "open bottom board" you just don't use one. smile.gif

If you want a SBB there are many variations on the design, but the gist of it is #8 hardware cloth for the bottom.

[Dave W]

Redneck Beekeeper . . .

The Dec Bee Culture article describes a "screened bottom board" that allows the bees to enter the hive THROUGH the screen (1/2" mesh). Most catalog SBB and SBB discussed here on BeeSource are made w/ 1/8" mesh wire that does NOT allow bees to access hive from the bottom. Both, the Bee Culture bottom and a true SBB can use a pull-out tray to monitor mites. The article shows a photo of a "tray w/ holes" that is used w/ the OBB.

I too, can not find much info on "open bottom" or "bottom entry" hives. As you learn more, please keep us informed. Thanx.

Oh, Welcome to BeeSource!

[flathead]

Welcome to Beesource Redneck. I just got here myself.

In the last few months I saw something about OBB on the net. If I can find it I will post link.

One thing I have learned in my first year beekeeping is I want to control the entrance size at robbing time. OBB is the one method/set-up I will not try for that reason alone.

Homemade SBB of simple design is my standard. You can walk through the yard and see whats happening at the entrance and you can close down the entrance and still ventilate.

[TwT]

I made a couple of these this year just to try, it is called the Bottom entrance screened BB. heres the plans..

http://www.bbka.org.uk/freefiles/diy_open_mesh_floor-graham-white.pdf

[BULLSEYE BILL]

http://www.beesource.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=003104#000000

[ January 03, 2007, 01:38 AM: Message edited by: BULLSEYE BILL ]

[BULLSEYE BILL]

http://www.beesource.com/pov/simon/index.htm

[newbee 101]

1/2 inch is too large. They dont mention robbing in the article.

[Bee Lover]

Bill, I like the unpublished version best, it goes into more background and detail... Simon's philosophy on "bee culture" is interesting too. Thanks for posting the site.

[RdnckBkpr]

Liked the Simon article alot also!!!! The March "Bee Culture" has article on OBB assembly/application that is helpful for plan ideas.

The Simon article mentions a decrease in honey production. WHY??? Is there any idea on how much OBB will decrease production??

Thanks to all for the warm welcome!! Thanks for the good responses too.