de Layens/Lazutin/Colmena/Tragupka/Trugstade/Ukrainian Long Hive are similar hives used throughout Europe. Their design varies but they have one thing in common - extra deep frames. This, along with thick, well insulated walls, makes them particularly good for cooler climates. They have one box capacity so there is no need to ever lift a hive box again. Natural Beekeeping Tasmania introduced the Layens hives to Tasmania and Australia in 2018/19 and have been building and improving the design ever since. We have learnt many lessons from the Layens and along with research on bee health of colonies living in natural conditions, we now follow some important rules for the hives.
Gabled lids are by far better the colony than flat lids. Flat lids create a great deal of condensation in the hive especially if the lids are covered in tin. Condensation will also occur if the lid area is filled with insulating material like sheep’s wool. It is the air cavity above the frames that steadies the air temperature and stops condensation and moisture is a killer of bees either directly or through fungal growth.
Layens Hives are made to replicate the conditions the are healthiest in - warm, humid and acidic conditions, so ventilation needs to be restricted the the small entrance at the front of the hive. Any additional ventilation in the lid or in the hive body acts against these conditions. If you are planning to build a Layens hive, commit to building a gable lid ad your bees will do so much better.
Our frames are now devoid of any impediments like wires, foundation strips, wax strips, dowel or mid-frame bars. The bees do fabulously with natural comb and provided the have roughened timber on the underside of the top bar, they are able to attach their comb firmly and more straight.
Check out the Classes page to join the next Layens Hive Practical Sessions.
Join LayensLarrikins on Instagram or request you be included in our monthly zoom get-togethers to learn more about these amazing hives.
Layens Hive Gallery - Some of the NBT Layen hives built and decorated by others to inspire you.
