There are two main types of hives, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Professionals prefer vertical designs, but beginners are encouraged to start with horizontal ones.
All types of hives must meet the biological characteristics and requirements of the bee colony. This wooden house can be of different types.
What are the types of hives
There are two types of hives: vertical and horizontal. The former include such structures that can be increased in height by installing additional frames and housings. The horizontal type is represented by houses that grow in width. This type of hive is mainly found in the southern regions.
But vertical structures (risers) have a number of undeniable advantages. Firstly, they are more consistent with the requirements for keeping bees. The number of insects can increase without fear of a lack of space, therefore this type of hive allows you to grow families of great strength. This fact is important for increasing the honey yield. Secondly, it is much more convenient to work with frames in vertical structures: here you can operate with whole bodies and extensions at once.
Horizontal hives (sun beds) are convenient in that next to the main family, you can keep layering, without operating with heavy frame cases. Taking care of the bees and collecting honey is easier, as there is no need to move and lift heavy extensions. If the beekeeper notices that the time has come to divide the family, he installs a second body next to the main one, consisting of a bottom, a roof, a rooftop, an arrival platform, and frames.
If the beekeeper is a professional, his pets will winter equally well in any hive. But for beginners, it is advisable to purchase exactly sun loungers, since they are much easier to maintain. In these houses it is easy to clean the bottom, form layers, insulate the nests. When transporting bees, it is also recommended to use horizontal type hives.
There are few disadvantages of sun loungers, but they are significant. First of all, it is necessary to note the fact that horizontal bodies do not fully meet the biological requirements for the development of bees. It is also bad that in such structures the air-gas exchange during wintering is insufficient. In addition, sunbeds take up much more space than vertical hives.
Standard hive systems
Design institutes have developed several standards according to which bee houses are produced. These designs have some differences, as they are designed for operation in different climatic zones. The most popular typical hives are as follows: single-hives with two store extensions, similar to those with a removable bottom, lounger hives designed for 16 frames, multi-hives, ten-frame hives.
