The Hive Plan

Ok.  Here's how my double queen hive is shaping up.  In my previous post, I was still figuring out the logistics of creating it and I finally came up with what I think is a pretty good plan....at least in theory.  We'll see after a few weeks if it works or not.  

I bought a 3/4 inch thick piece of plywood and marked off where the screened bottom boards would go.

Then I marked off the inside of the bottom board, where the screened portion is and drilled a starting hole. 

Next, I used a jigsaw to cut out two holes the size of the screened portion of the bottom board (my first time using a jigsaw so no laughing at the sloppy job! lol). It's important to have this opening to allow the Varroa mites to fall through to the ground.  Varroa mites are like little ticks on honeybees and they can literally suck the life out of the bees.  However, honeybees are very hygienic and will groom themselves, knocking the Varroa mites off and down to the bottom of the hive where they fall through the screen and onto the ground where they die.  Yep, I noticed that, too.  It's going to be super weak in the middle.  Didn't think that one, through.  I'm going to have to support that weak spot with concrete bricks underneath. 

Here's what it looks like with the screened bottom board sitting on the base.  Forgive the out of focus pic.  It was getting dark and I was in a hurry to get all the pics so I could show you what it looks like so far.

And here's what it will look like when it's in the bee yard with the hives on it.  Well, half of it.  The other hive will go on the other side over the opening.  Pretty cool, huh?  I'm going to install it and combine the hives tomorrow after work so I'll show you how it looks when it's fully operational.