The amount of honey you can get from a Flow Hive depends on the specific model and the number of Flow Frames it contains. For a Flow Hive Classic 7, Flow Hive 2 with 7 Flow Frames, or Flow Hive 2+ with 7 Flow Frames, you can expect to harvest approximately 20 kg (44 lbs) when every frame is full. Flow Hives are designed to improve honey production by allowing beekeepers to extract honey without disturbing the bees, which reduces their stress levels and boosts productivity, potentially resulting in higher honey yields compared to traditional beehives. However, the actual honey flow depends on weather conditions, and extracting honey from a Flow Hive involves opening the hive to check if the honey is ready, which can disrupt the bees. The extraction process can also take 20 to 25 minutes per frame and might attract pests. Despite these potential drawbacks, Flow Hives offer a convenient and less invasive method of harvesting honey, appealing to urban dwellers and hobbyists.

Key Points Explained:

• Expected Honey Yield:

  • For Flow Hive Classic 7, Flow Hive 2 (with 7 Flow Frames), or Flow Hive 2+ (with 7 Flow Frames), the expected harvest is about 20 kg (44 lbs) when all frames are full.

• Improved Honey Production:

  • Flow Hives aim to boost honey production by allowing extraction without disturbing the bees, reducing their stress and increasing productivity.

• Simplified Extraction Process:

  • Flow Hives simplify honey extraction by eliminating the need for smoking bees, removing frames, and using a centrifuge.
  • This method is designed to be less stressful for the bees and more convenient for beekeepers.
  • It allows for easier, less invasive harvesting of honey, making it appealing to urban beekeepers and hobbyists.

• Comparison to Traditional Hives:

  • Top Bar Hive: Involves cutting the entire comb, causing a setback for the hive as the comb needs to be rebuilt.
  • Langstroth Hive: Uses special equipment to extract honey, allowing the comb to be returned to the hive.

• Honey Readiness and Potential Issues:

  • Extracting honey from a Flow Hive requires opening the hive to check if the honey is ready.
  • Extracting uncapped honey can lead to fermentation and spillage.
  • Honey flow depends on weather conditions.
  • The extraction process can take 20 to 25 minutes per frame and attract pests.

• Advantages of Flow Hives:

  • No-fuss option for small-scale honey production.
  • The collection process is unintrusive, requiring no heavy lifting or expensive extraction equipment.
  • The hive doesn't need to be opened up, and the bees can continue their work without disruption (though opening the hive is still needed to check honey readiness).

• Flow Hive Functionality:

  • Flow Hives have special frames of plastic comb designed so you can harvest honey with the turn of a crank.

Summary Table:

Ready to optimize your honey yield? Contact us to learn more about Flow Hives!