Bee Hive Scales

[bee crazy]

I've been thinking about getting a platform scale for a hive next year. Thought it might be fun to see how fast the girls are throwing in the nectar durring a flow. I know some of you already have these scales. What make do you have, what would be the best and the weight ranges are you using?
Thanks in advance

[smoke]

I use scales in my nearby yards. They are very helpful in timing comb honey production and fun to watch. I put my name on a list with local auctioneers for old platform scales and have a standing $25.00 bid. They go cheap as seem to be an unwanted item. I prefer them to be accurate however in reality I only want to detect a flow so is not that critical as long as they work freely. Mine are just left out all year. One is on it's 11th year and still fine. I would recommend that you choose a hive that is "average" or better. A super strong hive might cause you to jumb a little early but a weaker hive might miss the boat. I also load the scale hives with plenty of supers early and then don't bother them as much. I have gains or 8 - 12 lbs or more in a main flow daily. Of course each day that is raw nectar, but actually as the flow gradualy winds down some nectar is usually still coming in so those gains are real. Platform scales will usually have a capacity of serveral hundred pounds. You need at least 250lb capacity. Leaving them out all year also lets me judge how much stored reserves have been burned up through the winter in case I need to decide to feed. I will caution that these scales are heavy to move. I have them elevated slightly off ground. They make a very stable base.

[bee crazy]

Thanks Smoke, I had thought of that but my auctioneer friends havent found me one yet. So I have been looking at various freight plate scales but they run around $200. a little pricey for a bee operation, if you know what I mean.

I guess I'll keep waiting

[sierrabees]

There are a few old hive scales floating around and if you find one I wouldn't recommend buying it. The old ones are very crude spring scales that will vary widely with temperature. I guess an old freight scale would work, but you wouldn't want to be carrying it around a bee yard. I tried weighing hives several times and concluded I could get more information and more accuracy by just listening to the buz of the hive and spending a few extra minutes watching the bees come and go from the entrance. Even with this technique you have to be very concious of the temperature and time of day. No matter what external method you use, if you suspect a problem you have to go into the hive to be sure what it is so it goes back to the basics of what to look for.

My hive scale has become yard art years ago.

[berkshire bee]

I bought a nice antique platform scale at an auction for $45 with the intent of placing a hive on it but can't bring myself to just leave it outside in the weather. I'll either pick up another one or build some kind of overhanging shelter so I can use this one.