Any thoughts on how a double queen hive would work with flow frames? Not only would there be no lifting, but with two colonies working on the same super, theoretically, it would fill up far faster, and you could just keep harvesting frames as they are ready so that the bees don’t run out of space. The double queen hive is made by the Keepers Hive people.
Yes, Paul. The double queen system is an interesting concept worth watching to see how it pans out long term.
The only concern with using a Flow super is that in a good flow, the bees can fill the frames before they’ve capped the honey. Then they’re out of room which could lead to swarming. You might need a second super in case.
Mike
Hmm, good point. I’ve just been trying to think of a way to take all the lifting out of beekeeping while still staying with a vertical design. While I like the concept of the super lifter, I want to find a way where the super doesn’t actually have to come off the hive and then have to be set back on, smashing bees and upsetting the hive in the process.
I’ve seen the lifter and tried it out as a demo at a club field day. It’s a solution that works for many.
I ran a long lang for several years and it was a real back saver.
I’m in the process of changing over to Slovenian AZ hives with Langstroth sized frames and Flow frame compatible. The ultimate back friendly, gentle system. When installed in a beehouse or wall of a shed, you can do your inspections regardless of weather.
As to the two queen hive, I see Fred Dunn has one. He’s also a Flow Hive keeper. Maybe you could reach out to him via his channel to see if he could trial your idea.
Mike
That’s true, AZ hives could work well, especially with Flow frames.