Hefting hives - unreliable/useless?

Many threads and posts on value of hefting. Doesn't work for me - I have been caught out more than once over the years i.e. assumed hefting weight is OK and then found low or absent stores when colony has expired. I advise weighing (see my current thread on weighing hive/using luggage scales).

Must be what one gets used to, i have never weighed a hive to asses stores levels, find it very quick and easy to pick out the light ones which need a feed, from the heavy ones which don't.

It us useful guide. If it is heavy then there must be stores. If it feels light then add feed. Quite simple really, I would never suggest you get down to the last few lbs before beginning to consider feeding. It really is common sense and not an exact science!
E

It is not so easy for the one hive owner - having more means you can compare and contrast. Only one hive and I think I would weigh.

I heft but am not yet much good at it so weigh as well.

Hives that do not survive the winter often have plenty of stores, so I look inside and give fondant if required, directly above cluster.

When I was one hive owner I wouldn't risk just feed fondant anyway it Wil all be gone in time for flow

I find that when I heft hives to check the weight, after one apiary they all feel heavy. I tend to over feed if I estimate. So, I too weigh the production hives.

I used to weigh with a spring scale and two people. Big job weighing so many by picking them up.





With this scale, I can do the work alone, without lifting anything. Actually, the taller the hive, the easier it is to weigh.

Great pics where's the bee suit?

When you tip, you hope all the boxes are stuck together!

blackie said:

Great pics where's the bee suit?

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For what?

Safer this way? Maybe can help ( I already put the links before here somewhere, hope won't mind)..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2O_qTj_GUrY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=d31Ghr4hprY

fiftyjon said:

When you tip, you hope all the boxes are stuck together!

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The hives are well propolized and burr combed, and don't come apart. I examine the colony after weighing.

Michael Palmer said:

The hives are well propolized and burr combed, and don't come apart. I examine the colony after weighing.

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I wasn't doubting you knew what you were doing.

Hivemaker. said:

Must be what one gets used to, i have never weighed a hive to asses stores levels, find it very quick and easy to pick out the light ones which need a feed, from the heavy ones which don't.

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.
I try food stores with hefting in spring. It is useful habit.
If the hive is light, I open the cover nd look in.

in 2/3 feeding I weigh hives with bathroom balance It has been usefull to catch hives which have not taken food enough.

I put balance under one side of the hive.

-Hefting hives - unreliable/useless?

Maybe it is down to the operator? Some that can and some that can't? Some that can learn and some that can't? All down to ability?

Sometimes it may be the tools at fault, but there is a saying that says don't blame them.

Works for me. Never weighed a hive yet, never needed to.
Cazza

Amari said:

Many threads and posts on value of hefting. Doesn't work for me - I have been caught out more than once over the years i.e. assumed hefting weight is OK and then found low or absent stores when colony has expired. I advise weighing (see my current thread on weighing hive/using luggage scales).

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all measurements have a degree of error
One should at least try to measure the error in ones hefting using some weights in simulation of the situation commonly encountered e.g. Hive stand or not.
Probably better to get some else to change the weights so you can't self suggest.
Perhaps a hefting competition to liven up BKA meetings?

derekm said:

Perhaps a hefting competition to liven up BKA meetings?

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Splendid idea!