A home made of reed

As already indicated in our last "Spubi's 5" post, there is a multitude of hive systems, the most diverse forms of beekeeping and even more opinions about them.

A maxim that we have encountered again and again since the beginning and which has always accompanied us is: "ask two beekeepers and you will get three opinions" and that is how it is. There is no such thing as a hive system or a way of keeping bees - each individual has to find his or her own individual way that suits him or her. We are happy to share ours with you and invite you to an appreciative and fair exchange of experiences.

The basic principle of our deliberations was definitely that we would like to keep our bees as close to nature and its essence as is at all possible for us. Therefore, we very quickly concentrated on hives made of natural materials. After careful consideration and a long time weighing up the pros and cons, we decided on a reed hive.

Reed as one of the basic materials of the hive convinced us directly, especially because of its special insulating capacity and regulation effect of temperature and humidity inside the hive.In addition, reed is extremely weather-resistant, which is comprehensively proven by the thatched roof culture in the north of Germany. Another aspect was the type of wood and origin, as well as the basic manufacture of the hive. We wanted something very special for our first bee colony and finally found what we were looking for at the small wood bending factory "kleine Holzbiegerei" in the Bavarian forest.

Not only the look of the reed hive "Schilfmagazin", but also the lovingly handmade wooden frames and the possibility to expand with frames in Zander format were decisive for us to order this little feast for the eyes immediately. We decided to use the warm construction method, as well as half half frames, as a basis for a happy brood and the other half whole frames, in order to be able to handle the honeycombs in a break-proof way.

However, the advantage of this charming appearance is also a clear disadvantage of this special decorative hive, of which one should be aware before buying. The magazine is about one and a half zander size high and curved in the lower area and therefore not compatible with other hive systems. However, as we wanted to start with queen and synthetic swarm, we were able to be very flexible with it and have not regretted our decision for this pearl of wood-bending art so far. Our kind beekeeper mentor gave us a first introduction to this system, for which we have already written in this small Bolg article and more will follow in the coming days and weeks.

See you soon your Spubis Markus und Lisa