Bee Hive Manual
The Ethiopian and Indonesian apicultural sectors are underdeveloped. There is limited access and knowledge on modern beekeeping practices and beekeeping equipment, like modern hive types. To improve the beekeeping situation in the two target countries and to strengthen the international cooperation with the European Union, Kibebew Wakjira from the Holeta Bee Research Center in Ethiopia developed a modern hive system which has the potential to be used as a standard for Ethiopian A. mellifera bee colonies. Adaptions on the existing system also allow its use for A. cerana, the mostly managed Apis species in Indonesia.
Tools and materials required for the hive construction:
1. Tools
- Thick Measure Feeler for adjusting thickness and surface smoothing
- Circular (buzz) saw for cutting wood
- Jointer machine for smoothing edges and creating side bar shoulders
- Measuring tape
- Digital caliper
- Framing square or drywall
- T-square
- Table saw
- Saber saw (sword with a slightly curved blade that is sharp on one edge)
- Putty knife or chisel,
- Hammer
- Clamps
- Power Drill - drill with bits
- Jigsaw
- Chop saw
- Sanding block
- Carpenter’s square (or a frame jig)
- Carbide - tip blade
2. Materials
- Waterproofed wood glue
- 19 mm thick waterproofed plywood
- 5 mm thick waterproofed plywood
- 5 and 8 cm galvanized nails
- 3 cm hardened trim nails (small nails)
- Cigar box nails (16 mm shoe nail)
- Timber for frames
- Timber for entrance block/reducer
- Lumber of thickness 20 mm after finished
Recommended wood for the beehive should not be soft woods. The boards must be dry and without cracks or rot
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
