I\ \
A LOW COST FRAME HIVE FROM PERU by Javier Llaxacondor Huaraz, Peru.
Vilca,
i
El Callejon
de Huaylas is a 100km long valley in the Andes mountains,
Situated between Cordillera Negra and Cordillera Blanca (near the snow-capped mountain Huascaran). Apiculture is practised here 3500m above sea level, making use of the wild flowers growing at this altitude. Hives are moved around the area, and sheltered places at about 2500m are used for developing nucleus colonies.
Detail
\\\\ \
Nat V y cw
Vs\aWith AN
A |
Brick with entrance hole
To help reduce the costs of beekeep-
ing for local people, a hive made from clay has been developed by Javier Llaxacondor, technical expert of the Primavera Bee Breeding Place, Huaraz. The new hive (illustrated right) takes 26 standard frames; the only difference between the clay hive and a standard timber hive is that the weight of the clay hive (up to 150kg) makes migratory beekeeping impossible. This hive is a modified version of that already used by Cuzco Asociacion Arariwa.
\\
I ent etail
A
Smallboar| used to
support frames
gies
fy
W *
yi
This August (15-20) the Ancash Beekeepers Association are organising a course on honey quality for beekeepers of El Callejon de Huaylas valley.
bees is between 10.30 to 11.30 a.m.
Do not disturb bees in wet or cloudy days or if there is fog or wind. It is particularly important that smoke used with bees comes from materials which burn very slowly eg: pieces of corncobs or dry cow manure (see above). Do not use dry grass, leaves or straw because these burn very
quickly.
When using the smoker, take care never to expel glowing sparks into the hive. Smoke softly and continuously among the frames.
Fram
Move the frames out slowly a d hold them with your fingers firmly at each end of the frame, taking care not to crush bees. If it is necessary to Jestroy any queen cells the finger’s mov ements must be slow. Never use black gloves for this purpose (it is disastrous it Without gloves is best. Do not mo e your hand quickly in front of the f rames. If you are going to feed the bees, sprinkle a little sugar syrup am mg the frames: the bees should be o cupied sucking these syrup drops. Bees should always be busy with non-de fensive
activities when you are managing them.
ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT: A beehive free from disease, pests, and predators is an extremely docile hive and is appropriate for beekeeping management. WARNING: With necessary caution it is possible to reduce the defensive behaviour of bees but never to eliminate bee stings completely; for this reason it is wise always to use a veil and adequate clothes until you know your bees very well.
