Hives on a deck on the side of a barn?

[Bees250]

Considering setting hives on a deck off the second story of a barn. Would face south protected from north winds. Plenty of nearby forage.

Thinking of doing my honey operation just inside the barn.

Any suggestions - pro or con?

[Rader Sidetrack]

The deck sounds like a decent location for some hives.

Whether the barn is a good place for "honey operations" may depend on whether bees can easily get into the barn. Many barns I have seen are deliberately not sealed, ventilation is often considered a virtue. But the bees may wish to reclaim their honey ...

[Bees250]

Thanks, Graham. I'm thinking the hives will be about 12 feet off the ground, which is flying height. Also thinking I can seal off an area that they won't get t - but they'll probably prove me wrong.

[Rader Sidetrack]

Height is not an issue. There are lots of hives on top of multi-story buildings. Look for posts from member Charlie B, a San Francisco beekeeper.

[jdmidwest]

Just put it on an endwall so the rain does not run off the roof onto the hives.

[Charlie B]

There are hives on 8 story buildings in SF that do just fine. Even higher in NY, Chicago. Just make sure you have a safe way to transport all that heavy honey to the extractor. Falling down stairs with a honey super or while moving a hive won't be fun.