Empty Boxes and Accessories
Warning
If you are new to native beekeeping please understand that you can't buy a empty box and expect to buy bees at a later date or think that bees will come to your hive. You can do this with European honeybees but NOT with Australian Native Stingless Bees. There are lots of people out there making and selling Native Bee Boxes that will neglect to tell you this vital information.
The best way to enter the wonderful world of Stingless Bees is to buy a established colony of bees from a reputable Business. There are private sellers that no doubt have very good quality colonies for sale but my advice is to buy your first hive from a business. A good business will offer you a conditional warranty and after sales support. A business has a reputation to uphold and is also bound by certain consumer laws. A private seller on the other hand can take your money and disappear with absolutely no recourse. Even if a private seller says there is a warranty that seller is under no obligation to honour it. Private sales are Buyer Beware.
Before you buy natives bees I recommend buying and reading The Australian Native Bee Book by Tim Heard. We are stockists of Tim's excellent book and offer Australia wide shipping.
Buying Empty Hives
You may choose to buy a empty hive for the following situations
If you are new to native beekeeping please understand that you can't buy a empty box and expect to buy bees at a later date or think that bees will come to your hive. You can do this with European honeybees but NOT with Australian Native Stingless Bees. There are lots of people out there making and selling Native Bee Boxes that will neglect to tell you this vital information.
The best way to enter the wonderful world of Stingless Bees is to buy a established colony of bees from a reputable Business. There are private sellers that no doubt have very good quality colonies for sale but my advice is to buy your first hive from a business. A good business will offer you a conditional warranty and after sales support. A business has a reputation to uphold and is also bound by certain consumer laws. A private seller on the other hand can take your money and disappear with absolutely no recourse. Even if a private seller says there is a warranty that seller is under no obligation to honour it. Private sales are Buyer Beware.
Before you buy natives bees I recommend buying and reading The Australian Native Bee Book by Tim Heard. We are stockists of Tim's excellent book and offer Australia wide shipping.
Buying Empty Hives
You may choose to buy a empty hive for the following situations
- To split your existing hive
- To perform a duplication (eduction) or brood transfer from your existing hive
- To perform a transfer of bees from a log / water meter / rotten box etc...
- To attempt a swarm capture
Lightweight Hive (Empty- no bees) - $295.00 (including GST)
Order Code : LWH
Our "Lightweight Hive" is named for its lightweight relative to its wall thickness and volume. It is a composite of 3 different materials. The outer shell is 15 mm PVC sheet in white which gives the hive a heat reflective, waterproof maintenance free exterior. The inner hive chamber where the bees are is made from 6 mm fibre cement sheet to give a rot free environment which can both absorb and release moisture depending on relative humidity levels. Sandwiched between the inner hive chamber and the outer shell is 40 mm thick expanded polystyrene foam. Total wall thickness is a whopping 60 mm. The fitted lid is also 60 mm thick. The Lightweight Hive is tried and proven in extreme heatwave conditions in Sydney and has kept bees alive in full sun at 46 degrees with no roof or human intervention. We believe no other box has achieved this feat as yet. We are very proud to be chosen by Cumberland City Council (Sydney) to provide our Lightweight Hives for their Native Bee Program. The Lightweight Hive is a one piece box and therefore is non - splitting. Propagation is done by eduction. We reserve the right to alter our designs, materials and specifications without notice.
Some specifications are below:
Fill out the email form in 'Contact us' using order code: LWH
Order Code : LWH
Our "Lightweight Hive" is named for its lightweight relative to its wall thickness and volume. It is a composite of 3 different materials. The outer shell is 15 mm PVC sheet in white which gives the hive a heat reflective, waterproof maintenance free exterior. The inner hive chamber where the bees are is made from 6 mm fibre cement sheet to give a rot free environment which can both absorb and release moisture depending on relative humidity levels. Sandwiched between the inner hive chamber and the outer shell is 40 mm thick expanded polystyrene foam. Total wall thickness is a whopping 60 mm. The fitted lid is also 60 mm thick. The Lightweight Hive is tried and proven in extreme heatwave conditions in Sydney and has kept bees alive in full sun at 46 degrees with no roof or human intervention. We believe no other box has achieved this feat as yet. We are very proud to be chosen by Cumberland City Council (Sydney) to provide our Lightweight Hives for their Native Bee Program. The Lightweight Hive is a one piece box and therefore is non - splitting. Propagation is done by eduction. We reserve the right to alter our designs, materials and specifications without notice.
Some specifications are below:
- wall thickness 60 mm
- fitted lid thickness 60 mm
- 2 x professional 316 stainless steel lid clips
- hive volume 5.5 lt.
- clear viewing panel included
- 1 x drain hole with removable cotton rope wick
- 1 x vent hole with vent cap. (spare vent cap included)
- 1 x eduction port as standard (comes with blanking plug)
- 40 mm entrance flange (various colours available)
- large tapered entrance cap with stainless steel mesh
- all screws are stainless steel
- all hive joins solvent glued and screwed
- hive chamber is fully waxed
- empty weight 6.5 kg
- external footprint 300 mm x 300 mm ( lid 335 mm x 335 mm )
Fill out the email form in 'Contact us' using order code: LWH
Vertical Splitting Hive (Empty - no bees) $200.00 (including GST)
Order Code: VSH
We offer 2 sizes of vertical splitting hives. 3.4 lt for TC and TH and 2.5 lt for Australis. All hives come with our trademark fitted lid with stainless clips. The hives have a white PVC outer shell for a heat reflective, waterproof maintenance free exterior. The hive chamber is fully waxed. 4 removable stainless steel brood support rods are provided. We reserve the right to alter our designs and materials and specifications without notice
Hive specifications are below:
To order:
Fill out the email form in 'Contact us' using order code: VSH and please specify what size you require. 2.5lt OR 3.4 lt.
Vertical Splitting Hive (Empty - no bees) $200.00 (including GST)
Order Code: VSH
We offer 2 sizes of vertical splitting hives. 3.4 lt for TC and TH and 2.5 lt for Australis. All hives come with our trademark fitted lid with stainless clips. The hives have a white PVC outer shell for a heat reflective, waterproof maintenance free exterior. The hive chamber is fully waxed. 4 removable stainless steel brood support rods are provided. We reserve the right to alter our designs and materials and specifications without notice
Hive specifications are below:
- wall thickness : variable up to 40 mm
- fitted lid
- hive chamber fully waxed
- viewing panel included
- 2 x 316 stainless steel lid clips
- hive volume 2.5 lt OR 3.4 lt.
- 40 mm entrance flange ( various colours available)
- 1 x vent hole with vent cap ( spare vent cap included )
- 1 x eduction port ( blanking plug included )
- 4 x stainless steel brood support rods ( removable )
- large tapered entrance cap with stainless steel mesh
- all screws are stainless steel
- Note -: Honey super sold separately - currently under development.
To order:
Fill out the email form in 'Contact us' using order code: VSH and please specify what size you require. 2.5lt OR 3.4 lt.
Austroplebeia Australis Observation Hives (Empty - no bees) - $350.00 (including GST)
Order Code: AAOH
We were the first to put Australis into observation hives. Our observation hives are unique and you wont find anything else quite like them. We are now making the entire outer frame from durable PVC. We have made this decision to keep maintenance to a bare minimum for our customers. The inner hive hardwood chamber remains unchanged. The integrated roof and side assembly made from white PVC enables the hive to be placed out in the weather with no maintenance, unlike timber boxes that require constant work to remain looking good. No clips or latches are necessary in our proven design. 3 mm clear acrylic sheet on each side gives the perfect sectional view of these magnificent bees. We can also make a larger version for TC & TH. Email for a price. A brood transfer from a existing colony is the best way to populate these hives. Our observation hives are under constant development with little tweaks and extras being added as we observe the bees.
Hive Specifications are below:
- Outer frame 30mm PVC
- Frame feet 30mm PVC
- Hive chamber -19mm hardwood
- 3 mm perspex side sheets with stainless screws
- Integrated cover - sides 25 mm PVC sheet, Roof 30 mm PVC sheet
- Volume 2.45 lt approx.
- Vent and eduction port
- White gloss enamel painted finish
- Coloured entrance flange (please choose a colour - see entrance flanges)
- Comes with a entrance cap for transport
- Roof is an optional extra ($60 including gst)
Fill out the email form in 'Contact us' using order code: AAOH
Coming Soon...
Australis Observation Hive With Bees ( Subject to availability)
Australis Observation Hive With Bees ( Subject to availability)
Bee Feeder Kit - $137.50 (including GST)
Order Code : FEEDER
Designed for 6 colonies or more, our feeder has been designed and developed to provide a safe and effective way to provide supplementary feed to your stingless bees in times of need. We have moved away from troublesome float style feeders as they can easily become swamped with bees resulting in tragedy. Sponge feeders are extremely safe and effective. Our design incorporates a perspex disc which houses 8 highly absorbent hospital grade cellulose sponges. The feeding solution is wicked by the sponges and the bees collect this food from the top of the sponge. This feeder is designed to feed many colonies in the one location and has a maximum fluid capacity of approximately 2.5lt. The bucket is certified food grade and BPA free. All hardware is marine grade 316 Stainless Steel. The outside of the bucket comes treated with propolis to attract your bees to the feeder.
For instructional videos on how to make the feeding solution and how to operate the feeder please see subscribe to our YouTube channel.
To Order :
Fill out the Email form in "Contact Us" using the code : FEEDER
Order Code : FEEDER
Designed for 6 colonies or more, our feeder has been designed and developed to provide a safe and effective way to provide supplementary feed to your stingless bees in times of need. We have moved away from troublesome float style feeders as they can easily become swamped with bees resulting in tragedy. Sponge feeders are extremely safe and effective. Our design incorporates a perspex disc which houses 8 highly absorbent hospital grade cellulose sponges. The feeding solution is wicked by the sponges and the bees collect this food from the top of the sponge. This feeder is designed to feed many colonies in the one location and has a maximum fluid capacity of approximately 2.5lt. The bucket is certified food grade and BPA free. All hardware is marine grade 316 Stainless Steel. The outside of the bucket comes treated with propolis to attract your bees to the feeder.
For instructional videos on how to make the feeding solution and how to operate the feeder please see subscribe to our YouTube channel.
To Order :
Fill out the Email form in "Contact Us" using the code : FEEDER
Ant Guard - $49.50 (including GST)
Order Code : ANT
Our all new ANT GUARD makes it easy to protect your hive from Ant attacks if they are mounted on a Starpicket. Made from Durable sewer grade PVC, the ANT GUARD holds 600ml of water which provides a very effective barrier against ANTS. Installation is simple. Just follow the instructional Youtube Video and your hives will be ANT FREE in no time !
To Order :
Fill out the Email form in "contact us" using the code : ANT
Order Code : ANT
Our all new ANT GUARD makes it easy to protect your hive from Ant attacks if they are mounted on a Starpicket. Made from Durable sewer grade PVC, the ANT GUARD holds 600ml of water which provides a very effective barrier against ANTS. Installation is simple. Just follow the instructional Youtube Video and your hives will be ANT FREE in no time !
To Order :
Fill out the Email form in "contact us" using the code : ANT
316 Stainless Steel Hive Clips - $ 2.60 each (including GST) (1 x clip + 3 stainless screws )
Now available in left and right handed versions if you want the latch ends of the clips to match. You do NOT need to order left and right handed clips. One type works perfectly well but IF you want the latch ends to match please order even numbers of left and right clips. If you're not bothered just order right hand clips.
Order Code: SSCR or SSCL (for left and right handed clips)
We weren't the first to miniaturise honey bee style hive clips for native beehives. That honour goes to the talented Doug Irvine. We were the first to follow Doug's lead and I'm glad we did. Well made hive clips are awesome. We have fabricated our own bending jig from plate steel and stainless steel to ensure professional standard clips are perfectly bent time after time. Order as many as you need. 2, 4 , 6 ? whatever you require. Each clip is supplied with 3 x 25mm stainless steel pan head screws and each order comes with a screw position template.
To Order:
Fill out the email form in 'Contact us' using order code: SSCR or SSCL
Hive Roofs - $60.00 (including GST)
Order Code: ROOF
Our roofs are made from 10 mm white PVC sheet. They are a one piece roof that is heat formed to approximately 22.5 degree pitch. The roofs will give approximately 100mm overhang front and rear and approximately 190 mm side overhang on a standard 280 x 200 OATH, The roofs feature 2 mounting legs that will grip the lid of your hive. The legs are positioned to suit your hive so you'll need to provide the exact measurements of your hive lid to ensure a good fit.
To order:
Fill out the email form in 'Contact us' using order code: ROOF
Be sure to include the exact measurement of your hive lid
Order Code: ROOF
Our roofs are made from 10 mm white PVC sheet. They are a one piece roof that is heat formed to approximately 22.5 degree pitch. The roofs will give approximately 100mm overhang front and rear and approximately 190 mm side overhang on a standard 280 x 200 OATH, The roofs feature 2 mounting legs that will grip the lid of your hive. The legs are positioned to suit your hive so you'll need to provide the exact measurements of your hive lid to ensure a good fit.
To order:
Fill out the email form in 'Contact us' using order code: ROOF
Be sure to include the exact measurement of your hive lid
Entrance Caps - $ 11.00 each (including GST)
Order Code : EC
We use a 40 mm entrance flange on all of our hives for numerous reasons. We have developed a professional cap with stainless steel mesh to ensure the bees can be locked up for whatever reason ( transport, swarms etc...) Our caps are made from thick walled pressure pipe and are heat formed to provide a tapered fit to the entrance flange. There is no need for dodgy caps with our cost effective professional solution.
To order:
Fill out the email form in 'Contact us' using order code: EC
Order Code : EC
We use a 40 mm entrance flange on all of our hives for numerous reasons. We have developed a professional cap with stainless steel mesh to ensure the bees can be locked up for whatever reason ( transport, swarms etc...) Our caps are made from thick walled pressure pipe and are heat formed to provide a tapered fit to the entrance flange. There is no need for dodgy caps with our cost effective professional solution.
To order:
Fill out the email form in 'Contact us' using order code: EC
Entrance Flanges - $ 11.00 each ( including GST )
Order Code : EF
Used with our entrance caps to close your hive for transport or swarm / pest protection. Our 40 mm flanges come in 5 different colours. They are pre drilled with 4 screw holes and come supplied with 4 x 16 mm stainless steel screws. Think of them as a circular landing pad.
To Order:
Fill out the contact form in 'Contact us' using order code EF. Be sure you specify your colour choice.
Order Code : EF
Used with our entrance caps to close your hive for transport or swarm / pest protection. Our 40 mm flanges come in 5 different colours. They are pre drilled with 4 screw holes and come supplied with 4 x 16 mm stainless steel screws. Think of them as a circular landing pad.
To Order:
Fill out the contact form in 'Contact us' using order code EF. Be sure you specify your colour choice.
The Australian Native Bee Book by Tim Heard - $35.00 (including GST)
Without doubt the most valuable resource for every Melliponist. Packed full of information with wonderful illustrations and superb photographs Tim Heard's book is the "go to" manual for keeping stingless native bees.
Order Code : BOOK
To Order:
Fill out the email form in "Contact us" using order code: BOOK
Without doubt the most valuable resource for every Melliponist. Packed full of information with wonderful illustrations and superb photographs Tim Heard's book is the "go to" manual for keeping stingless native bees.
Order Code : BOOK
To Order:
Fill out the email form in "Contact us" using order code: BOOK
