Thank you to everyone for watching and supporting our videos! If you have any questions about our videos, please check out our list of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS on our website, which can be found at honeybee.uoguelph.ca/videos/frequently-asked-questions/
I can see me trying that...and 5 boxes of bees slowly slipping off the front, crashing to the ground, frames spilling out and thousands of bees filling the air.
HI Andrew If you think it looks too dangerous please don't do it. That's my rule of thumb. Instead try the second method presented. The work stands are very useful for lots of other tasks. We've done this tipping method a few thousand times. In the right conditions it works well and saves a lot of back breaking labour.
Hi S E Not in the conditions described in the video. It's not just the propolis, its also the burr comb between supers that hold this all together.There isn't a lot of shear force the way we handle the stack of supers. Even If it did break apart there is very little room for the supers to fall. I've tipped lots of things over in other ways though!
I have never seen anybody else use two tools to pop boxes. I always carry two for cracking the pitas and for sharing with teammates that would have to spend time going and coming from the truck. nice to know I'm not alone
I notice you are putting escape board right above single brood chamber. I was under the impression, for single brood chamber management, we are supposed to put a brood box above queen excluder for bees go create and manage honey stores during winter?? Do the bees have enough stores in that bottom box alone?
This looks like a handy portable bench and I’ve been looking for one like it. Can you tell me the brand name or anything that will help me source it? I’ve not been able to find it or something similar? THANK YOU !!
Hi JM I get these at our local Canadian Tire. If you aren't in Canada it's a hardware, automotive, sports etc. store. I would think one of the big box building supply stores or hardware stores would carry them. I've noted different brand names. Ours are Mastercraft - Canadian Tire's brand name. The platform measures 12" x 37" by 21" high. Good luck sourcing one.
Monsieur Paul Kelly , l'idée est très utile et merveilleuse, mais après avoir placé le chasse abeilles, ne voyez-vous pas que les abeilles s'entassent terriblement au inférieur, il faut mettre un hausse avec neuf cadres pour que les abeilles ne se remplissent pas et continuent à récolter du miel puis le chasse d'abeilles est placé ، Deuxièmement, je vois que vous utilisez la demi hausse même si votre pâturage est fort. en Algérie, le pâturage est pauvre et nous utilisons la hausse. Dites-nous quels sont les avantages de la demi hausse et que me conseillez-vous؟.
Kirk - they are available at any paint store but, of course, probably cheaper at Walmart or Amazon. I actually received one free for starting an account at a paint store and it's been extremely useful.
If I catch a swarm, what does the queen do while waiting for places to lay? Reason i ask is I want to try to start a hive from a swarm without any foundation. I know it will take longer but im just curious. Does she help build comb? Does it have a negative affect on her egg production?
Hi There That will be an interesting experiment and a great thing to observe but in most cases the comb will work better for the bees than you. The queen crosses her legs and waits for comb to lay on. Well sort of...
I had to grin....I don't know Pauls age, but I'm 62 and have had shoulder surgery and the thought of tipping 5 full supers...alone? Ha! I would have been loathe to do that when I was 40....even if they were screwed together and impossible to separate! That's a heck of a load. Fun to watch though!
Hey Mark I'm 62 as well. It's not that hard but my shoulders are better than my back. I know this idea is a bit radical but we thought it would be fun to show some 'extreme' beekeeping.
What a great tipping idea and you made it look so easy and simple! I noticed one of your colony has seven supers even though most have only a few. Don't the bees have problem fitting into just one bottom deep for you to harvest the honey supers?
Yes it is a bit of a crowded space in the brood camber after harvesting honey. In our climate bee populations drop in the fall and with cooler temps. cluster more tightly. This coincides with our fall harvest. Thanks!
@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre how would this apply for warmer U.S. climates (Mississippi). Would that render single brood chamber method more challenging or less advantageous?
Love all the videos you guys provide. Coming out of my first winter I was trying to think of a good way to remove the supers this year and this is a great idea although I think I'm going to modify what your doing a bit. Making a "A" frame with 2x4s with like 6" tires on one side that can hook the bottom super and just tip it back. Should be a fairly simple design and a bit easier then tipping the whole stack down.
Hi Mike Thanks for your support! I've tested a variety of other devices to accomplish this goal. This simple way is my favourite but it may be better suited to our conditions than in other situations. Good luck with your idea!
Hi BWT I like our EZloader but not for putting on bee escapes. This method is faster for us. For sure when we take the honey off and unload it from the truck the loader is a dream come true. Loading colonies on a truck is a bit rough and slower with the loader so we do that by hand since we generally only move hives that are a single brood chamber in height. I always have extra help moving bees and harvesting so if you are on your own it may be different.
My hives never get that big... I need to get some Canadian bees eh? :) Also, if I tried that I can see bee boxes and frames all over the yard lol. Pretty cool though.
Hi Hogavich You are very welcome. A variety of frames and foundation. My favourite for honey supers is wood and beeswax foundation ( 6 5/8" boxes) this size of frame can be done with no cross wires. For brood chambers I mostly use all plastic frames.
I was wondering if you have any videos or suggestions on how relocate a beehive within the yard. About 6 feet without causing trouble. Aside from that again how can I order queens from your store?
That would work Jim. In this area we can move hives short distances in December when bees aren't flying and reorient when they start flying again. TWO options Alfredo!
Just a suggestion, a better title for this would be 'save your back when installing an escape' or 'back saving method for dealing with honey supers' when I saw this title I thought it was about how to estimate the weight of your hives. I watch every video you make, i learn all sorts of info, they are great. thx! eric.
You're doing all that operation after honey is capped. They're bees still in those honey supers, so bee escape acts as one way "valve". They're coming down and can't go back = bees free supers = easiest to harvest.
My question as well. I guessed the answer but I wasn't sure it was possible to make a one way bee path. So I'm off to see what Mr. Google has to say about that.
When I first got into bees I watched some videos from Walls Bee Man. Shorts and a T-shirt (without sleeves) are his attire of choice, so I asked him where he gets his protective clothing. His reply: "Walmart". He's always good for a laugh.
I watch a lot of your videos and find them helpful but tipping hives may be the worst idea you have covered. Attention new beekeeper DO NOT DO THIS. One should never depend on propolis to hold parts of the hive together. If one of those supers breaks loose the whole stack most likely will go in all directions resulting in very angry bees and likely some corners of supers broken loose from impact with the ground. First year hives and or hot weather will definitely contribute to the likely disaster. Also, I am not a fan of using escape boards to clear bees. It invites ants and if any opening is ignored the hive most likely will be robbed out. Paul, you might want to recant this video!
I respectfully disagree Bob. I agree there are situations where this won't work but hope that I conveyed them in the video. I also presented an alternative. My rule of thumb is if YOU think it looks dangerous don't do it. I hope others can use their own sense of what is safe. I'm really getting tired of the fact that we have to make everything 100% safe and there are no risks allowed. We didn't get where we are as a species without trying new things and taking risks. We've been doing this for several years and have never had a problem after several thousand repeats. It HAS to be done carefully and may only work in our conditions.
Your program, your option to preach whatever your think will works. Sorry that I commented. I regret that you are tired of getting what I hoped would be positive feedback. As for experience, I am a second generation beekeeper in a 105 year old beekeeping operation I am 80 years old so I have been around also. I will not bother you anymore as I have unsubscribed to your channel.
I do really appreciate feedback Bob. I think it was a bad day for me to respond. I spent three hours on legal work today - just to allow kids to see bees. You did raise some legitimate concerns, especially regarding brand new equipment and brand new beekeepers. The technique does require some 'stickiness factor.' I apologize since I offended you . It was more a comment on how I see our society going and not your legitimate suggestions.
Thank you to everyone for watching and supporting our videos! If you have any questions about our videos, please check out our list of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS on our website, which can be found at honeybee.uoguelph.ca/videos/frequently-asked-questions/
I can see me trying that...and 5 boxes of bees slowly slipping off the front, crashing to the ground, frames spilling out and thousands of bees filling the air.
HI Andrew
If you think it looks too dangerous please don't do it. That's my rule of thumb. Instead try the second method presented. The work stands are very useful for lots of other tasks. We've done this tipping method a few thousand times. In the right conditions it works well and saves a lot of back breaking labour.
sounds about right :)
Thanks for posting this and all that you do for for us who are just learning the trade.
Our pleasure Bob.
Thanks for your encouraging comment!
Curious... does this ever go terribly wrong? In other words, some catastrophic failure of propolis somewhere in the middle.
I was cringing when he leaned it back. In FL the propolis would've def failed lol
@@Swampsquash As a 2nd year, I am such a noob that I wouldn't have thought of tipping it... but... I also winced when he did it.
Hi S E
Not in the conditions described in the video. It's not just the propolis, its also the burr comb between supers that hold this all together.There isn't a lot of shear force the way we handle the stack of supers. Even If it did break apart there is very little room for the supers to fall. I've tipped lots of things over in other ways though!
Please don't use this method if you don't think it will work under your conditions.
@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre yeah I understand, with hive beetles I could never use escapes anyway
I have never seen anybody else use two tools to pop boxes. I always carry two for cracking the pitas and for sharing with teammates that would have to spend time going and coming from the truck.
nice to know I'm not alone
Also you can use that hydraulic lift table and is on the wheel too.
Hi Geani
Yes you could but I find this method faster, easier and safer... in our conditions.
I am watching all your video ,you are a real master.
What a great tip!
Hahaha. Good pun.
I notice you are putting escape board right above single brood chamber. I was under the impression, for single brood chamber management, we are supposed to put a brood box above queen excluder for bees go create and manage honey stores during winter?? Do the bees have enough stores in that bottom box alone?
I've heard of tipping cows...
One those hive lift hoists would work.
Why do the bees move down into the brood chamber? The bee escape was put in place, I’m wondering what initiates the movement. Is it the cooler nights?
More bees are needed in the brood chamber at night to keep to keep the brood warm. Also bees need to get outside to to defecate.
Nice hat!
I thought you needed two brood boxes going into winter in Ontario.
When are you making more videos
We'll put out a few this winter. Wish we had more time to commit to producing videos.
This looks like a handy portable bench and I’ve been looking for one like it. Can you tell me the brand name or anything that will help me source it? I’ve not been able to find it or something similar? THANK YOU !!
Hi JM
I get these at our local Canadian Tire. If you aren't in Canada it's a hardware, automotive, sports etc. store. I would think one of the big box building supply stores or hardware stores would carry them. I've noted different brand names. Ours are Mastercraft - Canadian Tire's brand name. The platform measures 12" x 37" by 21" high. Good luck sourcing one.
@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre FOUND it, thanks so much! very helpful ! AND thanks for all your videos and "how-tos' ALL excellent !.
@@jmmazz6047 could you provide the product number from Canadian tire?
Monsieur Paul Kelly , l'idée est très utile et merveilleuse, mais après avoir placé le chasse abeilles, ne voyez-vous pas que les abeilles s'entassent terriblement au inférieur, il faut mettre un hausse avec neuf cadres pour que les abeilles ne se remplissent pas et continuent à récolter du miel puis le chasse d'abeilles est placé ، Deuxièmement, je vois que vous utilisez la demi hausse même si votre pâturage est fort. en Algérie, le pâturage est pauvre et nous utilisons la hausse. Dites-nous quels sont les avantages de la demi hausse et que me conseillez-vous؟.
Looks like a pretty useful item around the beeyard. What are the dimensions of the stand?
Hi Kirk
Agreed! The platform is 12" x 37" and it is 21" high.
@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre Thanks!
Kirk - they are available at any paint store but, of course, probably cheaper at Walmart or Amazon. I actually received one free for starting an account at a paint store and it's been extremely useful.
Great video thanks for sharing. That looks like it would be easy on your back.
It is! Our pleasure Mark.
If I catch a swarm, what does the queen do while waiting for places to lay? Reason i ask is I want to try to start a hive from a swarm without any foundation. I know it will take longer but im just curious. Does she help build comb? Does it have a negative affect on her egg production?
Hi There
That will be an interesting experiment and a great thing to observe but in most cases the comb will work better for the bees than you. The queen crosses her legs and waits for comb to lay on. Well sort of...
How do you keep them from separating when you tip it?
They are well stuck together in the fall in our region.
I am considering changing to Buckfast bees. Are they better suited to a cold climate or hot climate?
Most people I know work with them in temperate climates but they have been used with success in the southern US too.
I'm from TN so all I did was cow tipping lol. This is a very good idea 💡
hahaha! I think I'll stick to hive tipping :)
I’ve never seen that done before
Neither have I have I but it does work for us in our conditions. Congratulations on the success of your great videos Ian!
Hi All
If you have a question or comment about this video please read the comments/ replies below first. Thanks, Paul.
I had to grin....I don't know Pauls age, but I'm 62 and have had shoulder surgery and the thought of tipping 5 full supers...alone? Ha! I would have been loathe to do that when I was 40....even if they were screwed together and impossible to separate! That's a heck of a load. Fun to watch though!
Hey Mark
I'm 62 as well. It's not that hard but my shoulders are better than my back. I know this idea is a bit radical but we thought it would be fun to show some 'extreme' beekeeping.
Pretty slick
Works for us! I'm about to start this next week.
СПАСИБО (THANK)
you are very welcome!
Great 😀
What a great tipping idea and you made it look so easy and simple! I noticed one of your colony has seven supers even though most have only a few. Don't the bees have problem fitting into just one bottom deep for you to harvest the honey supers?
Yes it is a bit of a crowded space in the brood camber after harvesting honey. In our climate bee populations drop in the fall and with cooler temps. cluster more tightly. This coincides with our fall harvest. Thanks!
@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre how would this apply for warmer U.S. climates (Mississippi). Would that render single brood chamber method more challenging or less advantageous?
Love all the videos you guys provide. Coming out of my first winter I was trying to think of a good way to remove the supers this year and this is a great idea although I think I'm going to modify what your doing a bit. Making a "A" frame with 2x4s with like 6" tires on one side that can hook the bottom super and just tip it back. Should be a fairly simple design and a bit easier then tipping the whole stack down.
that sounds really rad! please share if/when you do!
Hi Mike
Thanks for your support! I've tested a variety of other devices to accomplish this goal. This simple way is my favourite but it may be better suited to our conditions than in other situations. Good luck with your idea!
why don't you use apilift?
I have one. This is faster and easier.
and safer...
@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentreThanks for the answer.
:)
Are you guys going to do an extracting/bottling video?
Hi Tra vis
We recently released an extracting video and hope to do one on bottling next year.
Great job yet another good idea thanks.
Thanks Den!
Would not be able to do that with a maxant hive tool lol
hehehe... that would hurt!. Half way through this job I start to think a mallet might be a good idea but then that's something else to carry around.
I’ve never seen that tipping done before. Excellent job
Keep up the good work 👍
Don't you put an empty brood chamber or empty honey super on so the bees have room to move down? Interesting. Thank you.
They're moving down through bee escape to the brood chamber. They can't go up. Anyway after some time they're only winter bees, so 1 brood is enough.
In mid summer harvest we do put a super under the escape. As mirogster says in the fall we are reducing the hive size down to 1 brood chamber.
Sir were do you get one of those belts or do you have a link thanks and have a good day
Hi Jason
I produce the belts and Dancing Bee takes care of the sales. Please see dancingbeeequipment.com/products/bee-belt Thanks for asking!
After doing this, do you need to feed the bees since you have removed all their stores?
yes
How in the world can you have an hive with 7 supers on!?!!? Wow!
Do you leave them on throughout the nectar season?
0:34 is the answer
Nice tip. I hope to be able to aquire an Ezyloader in a few years.
Hi BWT
I like our EZloader but not for putting on bee escapes. This method is faster for us. For sure when we take the honey off and unload it from the truck the loader is a dream come true. Loading colonies on a truck is a bit rough and slower with the loader so we do that by hand since we generally only move hives that are a single brood chamber in height. I always have extra help moving bees and harvesting so if you are on your own it may be different.
My hives never get that big... I need to get some Canadian bees eh? :) Also, if I tried that I can see bee boxes and frames all over the yard lol. Pretty cool though.
Hi Nat
It works for us in our conditions. So far no exploding beehives! :)
Wish my yards were as flat as this one. Even so, I’d be a little apprehensive about boxes falling apart.
The second method shown may be more appropriate in your situation.
Great tips again! Thank you for this!
Also, what type of frames/foundation do you use in your honey supers?
Hi Hogavich
You are very welcome. A variety of frames and foundation. My favourite for honey supers is wood and beeswax foundation ( 6 5/8" boxes) this size of frame can be done with no cross wires. For brood chambers I mostly use all plastic frames.
@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre Thank you for sharing this! Appreciated.
Tipping like a boss!!! Good job, thanks for the tips.
:) a bit crazy looking but it works in our conditions Thanks Phillip
I was wondering if you have any videos or suggestions on how relocate a beehive within the yard. About 6 feet without causing trouble. Aside from that again how can I order queens from your store?
Move the hive about 10" a day in the direction you need to move it. After 6 days...mission accomplished.
That would work Jim. In this area we can move hives short distances in December when bees aren't flying and reorient when they start flying again. TWO options Alfredo!
Just a suggestion, a better title for this would be 'save your back when installing an escape' or 'back saving method for dealing with honey supers' when I saw this title I thought it was about how to estimate the weight of your hives. I watch every video you make, i learn all sorts of info, they are great. thx! eric.
Thanks GF
Yes the title may have been misleading. We try to keep them short and punchy. You're right it is all about back saving.
Hello! What is the point of putting a bee escape?
You're doing all that operation after honey is capped. They're bees still in those honey supers, so bee escape acts as one way "valve". They're coming down and can't go back = bees free supers = easiest to harvest.
My question as well. I guessed the answer but I wasn't sure it was possible to make a one way bee path. So I'm off to see what Mr. Google has to say about that.
CRAZY, but talented.
It does look a bit wild but it works in our conditions. Not much talent really but thanks BB.
The most impressive part is the not suit or veil. I need a full hazmat to inspect mine. I would end up in ER if I tried this.
Send me your queen :D
When I first got into bees I watched some videos from Walls Bee Man. Shorts and a T-shirt (without sleeves) are his attire of choice, so I asked him where he gets his protective clothing.
His reply: "Walmart".
He's always good for a laugh.
A little scary but impressive.
Thanks ...I think :)
I suspect, in another life, you were a pyramid builder.
Hahaha... :) I do like levers and other mechanical advantages.
CluelessBeeKeeping Lmao!.. let me add this; A failed pyramid builder reicarnated as a failed beekeeper.
I watch a lot of your videos and find them helpful but tipping hives may be the worst idea you have covered. Attention new beekeeper DO NOT DO THIS. One should never depend on propolis to hold parts of the hive together. If one of those supers breaks loose the whole stack most likely will go in all directions resulting in very angry bees and likely some corners of supers broken loose from impact with the ground. First year hives and or hot weather will definitely contribute to the likely disaster. Also, I am not a fan of using escape boards to clear bees. It invites ants and if any opening is ignored the hive most likely will be robbed out. Paul, you might want to recant this video!
I respectfully disagree Bob. I agree there are situations where this won't work but hope that I conveyed them in the video. I also presented an alternative. My rule of thumb is if YOU think it looks dangerous don't do it. I hope others can use their own sense of what is safe. I'm really getting tired of the fact that we have to make everything 100% safe and there are no risks allowed. We didn't get where we are as a species without trying new things and taking risks. We've been doing this for several years and have never had a problem after several thousand repeats. It HAS to be done carefully and may only work in our conditions.
Your program, your option to preach whatever your think will works. Sorry that I commented. I regret that you are tired of getting what I hoped would be positive feedback. As for experience, I am a second generation beekeeper in a 105 year old beekeeping operation I am 80 years old so I have been around also. I will not bother you anymore as I have unsubscribed to your channel.
I do really appreciate feedback Bob. I think it was a bad day for me to respond. I spent three hours on legal work today - just to allow kids to see bees. You did raise some legitimate concerns, especially regarding brand new equipment and brand new beekeepers. The technique does require some 'stickiness factor.' I apologize since I offended you . It was more a comment on how I see our society going and not your legitimate suggestions.
@@bobfanning6816 with much respect. . you were quite rude. if you cant take it, don't dish it out.
@@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre You apologized to the guy who was rude to you. You must be Canadian.
Love your videos.