Learn more about Warré hives by reading his book, which is a free download here: http://warre.biobees.com/ (the book is in the public domain). The excellent site, www.biobees.com, has tonnes of information and even free hive plans if you want to build your own.
This hive is built to Warré specifications for all critical dimensions that affect the bees (internal hive dimensions, top bar spacing, hive entrance, etc). I developed a modified design for jointing and construction in order to build with reclaimed lumber. So these hives are the best of both worlds: strict Warré compliance with extraordinarily low environmental impact—perhaps positive impact, as the wood is being diverted from landfill to beehive.
Each hive includes four hive boxes, one quilt, one bottom, one roof, and 32 top bars.
All of the wood used in these hives is reclaimed from being thrown out in Chicago. Each hive will vary in color, look, and design, in order to accommodate the particular wood that I am able to salvage.
The hive is built with box joints (also called finger joints). The fasteners (screws and nails) are stainless steel: this is a bee-friendly metal, which will not rust and which will not leach chemicals into the wood the way treated fasteners can.
The wood pictured is cedar from discarded cedar fencing. Old fence, whether it is cedar or pine or a similar wood, makes great hives, because the wood is well seasoned from years of outdoor exposure, and is bee-friendly because of that exposure: this wood has already proven itself outdoors. All of the wood I use is untreated, chemical-free; all of the fasteners are uncoated, non-leaching. I strive for a neutral, scent-free environment for the bees.
The use of reclaimed material is labor-intensive, more so than the use of new lumber. I am expressing my commitment to responsible use of resources by absorbing some of this additional cost, and I am asking you to do the same; still, these hives are economically priced.
Hives are made to order. Typically delivery in two weeks, but if you need them fast—if the bees are swarming!—let me know and we'll work it out.
Feel free to get in touch with beekeeping and Warré hive questions. I welcome visitors to my workshop in Chicago: come see what I'm working on, visit the chickens, say hello to my beautiful dogs, and get a feel for where your hives come from. Email me to arrange a time.
Delivery is free in Chicago, but it's more fun if you come visit and pick them up. I'll work with you on shipping elsewhere. Get in touch and we'll figure it out.
More photos, including internal hive photos, on http://walkerwood.tumblr.com/ (search for "Warré Beehives")
Have any questions?
Contact the shop owner.
