3 Frame Obs. Hive
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3-Frame Observation Hive

We based most of our observation hive dimensions on those shown on the plans at BeeSource.com. (BeeSource has the best construction plans for beehive components on the web!) Below are some photos that show our adaptations to this design. If you wish to see larger views of any of the photos, just click on the desired photo. Other hive and apiary photos can be found on the Photos page.

The observation hive is mounted to the brick wall on pivots (actually these are brackets are for hanging horizontal-sliding barn doors). These pivots allow us to swing the OH 180 degrees for easy viewing of both sides.

In this view, you see the left hand door when it's closed. The OH is perpendicular to the wall in this view, but it is normally against the wall with the left hand door against the wall.

The feeder is on the top of the hive and the entrance can be seen in the lower right of the picture
Here's the OH in the same position as above except with the left hand view door open.
This view shows the OH in its normal position with the left side against the wall. You are looking at the right hand view door in its latched-closed position.
Here's the OH in the same position as above except with the right hand view door open.
Here's the OH in the same position as above except with the right hand glass door open. With this door open we can service the frames. We have used three deep frames. There is bee space around all of the frames including their tops, bottoms, sides and against the glass.

Although it can't be seen here, we put screws into the outsides of the frames near the bottom to center the frames in their bracket so that an even bee space would be maintained on both sides.
This view shows all of the doors open. Glass is mounted on the left side of the hive. As you can see the top of the hive is hinged also. To remove the left hand glass the top is lifted up and the glass slid out through the top. This should only be necessary if the glass cracks.

You can also see that the right hand glass door has 3 cam locks.
This view shows the detail of the upper cam lock the top hasp and the right hand view door hasp.

You can also see one of the 3/4" vent ports below the cam lock. The vent is covered by window screen inside the hive.
The left hand picture shows all of the entrance side's cam locks, vents and hasps.

The right hand picture shows all of the rear of the hive's hinges and vents.
This view shows the feeder holder.

This view shows how the OH is mounted in the apiary. The TBH is at the lower right.