Setting Up A New Hive...simple question

[John Schneider]

This is my first time with a hive. One simple question...when setting up the actual hive in preparation for the intro of the package, should the hive be perfectly level? Tilted slightly back? Forward?

[pumpkinpiper]

I like to have a slight forward lean to it to help water runoff. Using a level, let the bubble just touch one of the lines. PP

[TwT]

you want the entrance a little lower than the back of the hive, this will help rain and condensation drain out the entrance

[John Schneider]

Got it...thanks for the advice. It makes sense.

[Michael Bush]

If it has a Screened Bottom Board I try to make it perfectly level both directions. I use an actual level for this and shingle shims or scraps of wood. If it has a solid bottom I try to tip it just a little towards the front. Not more than 1/4" and not less than 1/8".

If you make your own bottom boards you can slope the side rails so it's 3/4" at the back and 3/8" at the front and level the side rails of the bottom board. That way the run off is built into the bottom board and the hive doesn't have to lean. [img]smile.gif[/img] I have seen them done this way and the work very nicely.

[Morris]

John,

By having the hive tilted slightly forward, it also prevents rain water from pooling on the front of the landing board. This way the bees are not tracking wet feet into the hive.

I knew a John S. in Anaheim Ca. many years ago. Did you by any chance live there at one time?

[Tia]

A slight tilt to the front is also good for the Miller hivetop feeders.