Harvesting honey from a Flow Hive relies on a unique mechanical frame system that allows extraction without opening the hive or disturbing the colony. By inserting a specific "Flow Key" into the frame and rotating it, you mechanically split the honeycomb cells vertically. This action creates internal channels for the honey to drain downwards and out through a tube, bypassing the messy and intrusive steps of traditional extraction.
The Core Insight: The Flow Hive mechanism converts the complex process of harvesting into a simple tap-like system. It utilizes pre-formed cells that split vertically when activated, utilizing gravity to drain the honey while leaving the wax capping intact and the bees undisturbed on the comb’s surface.
The Mechanics of the "Flow" System
The Vertical Split
The core technology lies inside the honeycomb frame itself. When you activate the mechanism, the cells shift vertically relative to one another.
Creating the Channel
This shifting motion breaks the wax capping that seals the honey cells. Simultaneously, it forms zig-zagging channels inside the frame that act as a gravity-fed drain.
Gravity-Fed Collection
Because the cells are now open and aligned vertically, the honey flows down through these internal channels. It exits the hive through a dedicated trough at the base of the frame, moving directly into your collection jars.
The Harvesting Workflow
Assessing Readiness
Before extracting, utilize the built-in observation windows. You must visually confirm that the bees have filled the frames and capped the cells with wax, indicating the honey is mature and ready for harvest.
Preparation and Safety
Insert the provided honey tubes into the troughs at the bottom of the frames you intend to harvest. Position your jars or buckets underneath these tubes to catch the flow.
Activating the Frame
Remove the key access cap at the top of the frame. Insert the long metal Flow Key into the designated slot.
The 90-Degree Turn
Turn the Flow Key 90 degrees. This provides the torque necessary to split the cells inside the hive. The honey will begin to drain immediately, starting slowly and increasing in rate.
Resetting the Hive
Once the honey finishes draining, rotate the Flow Key 90 degrees back to its original position. This realigns the cells, closing the internal channels and resetting the "floor" of the honeycomb.
Minimizing Impact on the Colony
Non-Intrusive Extraction
Unlike traditional methods, this process does not require smoking the hive, removing frames, or brushing bees off the comb. The bees remain on the surface of the comb, undisturbed by the internal draining mechanism.
The Repair Cycle
After you reset the frame, the bees perceive that the honey is gone and the cells are "empty." They will uncap the wax surface, repair the split cells with fresh wax, and begin refilling them immediately.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Inspecting for Winter Stores
While the Flow Hive makes harvesting easy, do not harvest blindly. You must ensure you are not stripping the colony of necessary food sources. Ensure there are sufficient stores remaining for the bees, especially before winter.
The Importance of Resetting
You must remember to turn the key back to the starting position after harvesting. If the cells remain split, the bees cannot repair the comb or refill it with nectar.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To ensure a successful harvest using this technology, consider your primary objectives:
- If your primary focus is Purity: Ensure the cells are fully capped in the observation window before turning the key; this prevents unripe nectar from mixing with your honey.
- If your primary focus is Colony Health: Only harvest frames when there is an abundance of resources, and verify that the key is fully reset so the bees can immediately begin their repair work.
The Flow Hive transforms honey extraction from a heavy labor task into a passive, gravity-driven event that prioritizes bee stability.
Summary Table:
| Step | Action | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Check observation windows | Ensures honey is mature and fully capped |
| Preparation | Insert honey tubes and jars | Direct collection with no messy filtration needed |
| Activation | Rotate Flow Key 90 degrees | Splits cells vertically to create drainage channels |
| Collection | Gravity-fed drainage | Honey flows straight to jars without opening the hive |
| Reset | Rotate key back to original position | Allows bees to repair cells and begin refilling |
| Post-Harvest | Bee repair cycle | Non-intrusive process keeps the colony calm and productive |
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