Structure and size of the frame for the hive

Technological development does not leave a chance for the preservation of established traditions. Modernization in order to increase the volume and quality of manufactured products is becoming a key task for participants in industrial and agricultural enterprises. Nevertheless, there are exceptions - the approaches to the technical organization of bee apiaries are still true to the concepts that took shape 100 years ago. Commitment to the developed frame sizes for hives is confirmed, although in this niche progress does not stand still.

Functions and configuration of the framework

The value of the frame in the hive can be compared with the engine in the car. This is the core of the hull and the main field for the production of honey. The number of frames in a hive is usually calculated based on the overall design of the "house" and can vary. But the size of the framework for the hive, which determines the quality of the work organization of the bees, is especially important.

The surface of the frame should have a wax base for families to start producing honey. The quality and efficiency of this process is influenced by joints, working area, nuances of care and maintenance of the hive.

On the arrangement of the frame are divided into vertical and horizontal - the so-called couches and risers. The features of the two configurations are the basis for calculating the number of frames and their parameters.

The value of the dimensions in the hives

The sufficiency of the place in the nests for the development of bee colonies is the main condition for the success of beekeeping. Correctly chosen sizes of frames for hives allow to provide not only a stock of the area for the current moment, but also to leave space for the further growth of pollen volumes and uterus wear. A close hive will not allow creating conditions for such development and can be effective only in special beekeeping farms.

Two types of bee "house" designs have already been noted. Sun beds allow you to initially create the necessary stock of the area, while in the risers the reserve space is increased additionally. Depending on the size of the beehive frame used, beekeepers transfer brood to the store 1 to 3 times, placing a new wax in the nests. To prevent increased swarming mood, such operations should be performed in a timely manner.

Optimal size

Of course, one can not talk about common and unified parameters for the development of a hive project, but a number of criteria for calculating optimal data in specific cases are still worth noting. The initial information in order to determine the size of the framework for the hive is based on the following criteria:

• Number of brood;
• Volume of planned honey;
• The volume of the planned Perga;
• A place for accommodation of young bees;
• A platform for processing nectar.

In addition, the individual characteristics of the site where the apiary is located are taken into account. In some cases, the dimensions of the hive frames vary due to the characteristics of the apiary maintenance. A common example is the approach to the organization of the cleaning process - the availability of a demountable bottom, for example, eliminates the need to withdraw frames.

The Dadana-Blunt standard

The above selection criteria for the standard size should not be considered as information for creating a unique in terms of hive parameters. In any case, the structures now used in professional and amateur apiaries have completely unified characteristics. Another thing is that there are a lot of standards.

The most popular design is Dadan-Blunt, which defined the parameters of the hives for many years, and also became the basis for calculating other formats. Today, the size of the framework of the hive of Dadan is also the starting point in the search for the best solution for the construction of private apiaries. So, the length of the upper and lower bars is 435 mm, and the height - 300 mm. But it is important to take into account that for convenience of use and reliability of the hive design, it is possible to increase the outer part of the bar. Here, each beekeeper selects the degree of extension to his needs - usually 5-10 cm.

Variations of standard sizes

In addition to differences in the principles of the device of hives, each format of the frame assumes several versions. But this often refers to the height of the slats, and their length remains the same - 435 mm. With regard to other indicators, the deviations are rather risky - again, the experience with bees, which doubts experiments, has an impact. This is the case when modern technologies are inferior to many years of experience of participants in economic activity. However, the introduction of new materials for the framework, too, should not be ruled out.

The minimum size of the frame for the hive is 145 mm. Such elements are called semi-frames for the store and extension. By the way, the store is a place to collect ready-made honey. The average height is usually considered 230 mm. This format is extended to the components of multi-hulls. Optimal is the same Dadan standard, corresponding to 300 mm - a full or nesting conventional frame.

Size in multi-hull

In addition to the described size for multi-case designs, there are other options. Basically they come from the Langstroth-Ruth model, on the basis of which a hive with several hulls was designed. In this case, only the configuration of the "box" is standardized, while their number and methods of installation may differ.

The length of the frame of the multi-hull is similar to the parameters of Dadan, but they are different in height. Usually the size is 230 mm. It is also possible to combine beehives with different designs - extensions, stores and frames with competent intelligence allow you to effectively plan a place for further increase in the number of bee colonies.

German Size

Hives with non-standard parameters are common in Germany. This complicates exploitation in Russian beekeeping facilities, but the advantages of Western models are undeniable and compensate for all the attendant difficulties.

The classical size of the frames in German hives can be represented as a 370x233 mm format. Such designs are easier to use, practically spared from technical flaws, affecting the conditions of life of bees, and also have a more civilian appearance. Among the minuses, again, problems of introduction into domestic economies are noted - it is necessary to refine the hive for honey and wax. As a rule, beekeepers face similar difficulties when translation of families from the hives of the Ruth and Dadan models is required.

Other sizes

The use of a certain size of the bee frame is due to the region in which the apiary is located. For this reason, technologists are developing new standards specifically for specific climatic conditions.

So, along with traditional formats, their versions with reduced or enlarged sizes appear. In this case, the basis for the initial indicators are not only the size of the framework of the Dada's beehive, but also the Langstroth-Routh format. Modifications include: Zander frame (420 mm wide and 220 mm high), Golts hive, (250х330 mm), and Langstroth's increased size (448х232 mm).

In general, the world beekeeping industry tends to unify the existing size of the framework, against which there is also a rejection of additional functions in the hives. For example, designs get rid of windows, apertures for cleaning the bottom, obstacles that prevent bees from creeping out during inspection, etc. There is also an opposite tendency, aimed at complicating the framework due to insulation materials for insulation.