Styro Minis

[JBJ]

I have heard they need paint or they can degrade in the sun...any thoughts here?

Do they breakdown or off gas anything not good for bees?

How long will one of the Mann Lake minis last?

1/4 lb to 1/3 lb bees to start them?

Thanks in advance for the input.

[jean-marc]

JBJ:

Styrofoam degrades in the sun. It turns yellow then breaks down. I don't know if they gas off or anything, but if they are not painted they will not last near as long and that won't be good for JBJ.

1 coke can full (12 oz type) is plenty, Pepsi can works just as well. I think your 1/4 to1/3 pound estimate is accurate.

I've had a few (50)for 2 seasons. They'll last long if painted and you can keep the mice out. You want to paint them so the queens can find their respective colonies after mating. Personally I like to use primary colours.

I really like the fact that they require so few bees to stock. The are also lightweight, when handling. They are also vented so bees can be locked in. I also like that they have a built in feeder. I would buy more.

Jean-Marc

[Brandy]

I've been using the one's from Beework's and don't see much difference in the one's I leave unpainted. Don't know if there's much difference in the Mann Lake mini's.
I'm only into mine for a couple years but it looks like they should last quite a while, hopefully!!

I'm thinking it was Velbert who tried 8 oz. and 12 oz. of bee's and liked the 12 oz. the best. I find pulling frames with brood works the best for me.

[Brandy]

Thanks jean-marc, I guess I better get the rest of them painted and call myself lucky at this point since they still look pretty good!!

[jean-marc]

No problem Brandy. So when is JBJ going to start selling queens into Canada? I think we talked aout this once.

Jean-Marc

[JBJ]

When do you like your queens up there and in what quantities (PM me if you like)? So far, current demand for our queens seems to consistently outstrip supply and it looks like we are going to have all our major customers repeat again this year. That is why I am considering the minis to boost overall production. I still need to figure out what hoops to jump through for our ladies to be able to cross the border. I would love to send some girls to your neck of the woods.

[jean-marc]

JBJ:

I like them in april for early splits. I also use some to requeen in late July , and August. We raise quite a few of our own, but it would be nice to get some stock that would have more varroa resistance than what I currently have. Without commiting to any numbers, I can assure you that it would be worth your while. If I have to go to the airport to pick them up I loose a day so I probably need 200 just to start the truck.

Olivarez and Strachans send queens to Canada. They could tell you about the hoops.

Jean-Marc

[WVbeekeeper]

JBJ, when your styrofoam degrades let me know and I'll make ya some of these;
http://208.69.121.208/forums/showthread.php?t=214629
If ya like, I could just make the bottoms solid or use some #8 on them.;)

[Jon McFadden]

I use Minis made from extruded styrofoam. They are unpainted, but have a clear plastic covering on both sides. Will removes it from the inside, but is inconsistent removing it from the outside.
I haven’t observed any deterioration in the two years I’ve used them. This will be our third year coming up and they look the same as when we put them into service.
http://nordykebeefarm.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=46&PN=1
Jon

[Nick Noyes]

We didn't paint the first ones we got and they started to turn yellow and break down. The next year we got more and painted them and some of the old ones and it seemed to help. I would at least paint the tops of the lid so you can write on them. By the way spray paint eats styrofoam.
We stock ours with a one cup ladle.

[Jon McFadden]

The blue extruded styrofoam we make our mini nucs from have shown no deterioration from the elements (including ultraviolet). The commercial mini nucs I have looked at looks like small beads. I tried some of this for insulation, and even with the aluminum film, they broke down after a couple of years when exposed to the elements. The extruded foam is solid, not beaded.
Jon

[WVbeekeeper]

Here's something to use to coat the exterior of your commercially available stryo-mini.

http://www.aboyd.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HWF+026

and for the inside,

http://www.aboyd.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HWF+025

[mudlake]

Sounds like good "stuff" Thanks Tony

[WVbeekeeper]

Sounds like good "stuff" Thanks Tony
...and don't forget it's "fun and easy to use".:)