There comes a time for many beekeepers when they realize they have more colonies than time to properly work them - with “work” being the operative word. If they’ve been keeping bees long enough, they may decide that hefting ten-frame hive bodies full or honey or bees just too difficult. The beekeeper decides to downsize. In today’s episode, Kim and Jim discuss the considerations and options available to the beekeeper when dealing with unwanted hive bodies and frames.

Beekeepers do all sorts of things with old hive bodies. From transforming old hive bodies into unique bookshelves to the responsible disposal of irreparable equipment, Kim and Jim discuss the various fates of retired beekeeping gear. Ultimately though, it is a decision that requires careful evaluation of the equipment, it’s age, condition, disease history and even the experience of the beekeeper who accepts the ‘gift’ of inexpensive (or free) used bee equipment.

We invite you to join us in this engaging discussion. Share your experiences and creative ideas about what you do with old bee equipment. Your insights could greatly benefit fellow beekeepers facing similar decisions.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

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