Hive Components

Bee Boxes

Our beekeeping supplies include high-quality 10-frame Langstroth boxes, available in both deep (9 5/8″) and medium (6 5/8″) sizes. These boxes are unpainted and dipped in wax to enhance durability, while the bottom boards and covers are painted for weather protection. Additionally, we offer inner covers, queen excluders, and entrance reducers to complete your hive setup.

Setup

A bee hive can consist of multiple boxes that adapt to the growth of the colony. In Michigan, a typical setup for a thriving bee population includes two brood boxes and up to three medium boxes, depending on the season’s growth. Below is a brief description of the essential hive components we offer:

Bottom Board and Entrance reducer

he bottom board is the foundation of the hive, providing a stable base for the boxes. It features an entrance that allows bees to come and go freely.
This wooden piece adjusts the size of the hive entrance based on the colony’s population. Reducing the entrance helps the bees defend against predators. As the colony matures, the entrance can be sized appropriately, allowing the bees to better guard the hive.

Boxes

  • Deep Boxes (Brood Boxes): Primarily used for population growth and brood development, deep boxes provide ample space for the queen to lay eggs. Bees will also store honey here, often competing with the queen for space.
  • deep langstroth box
    Sale!
    Hive Components

    Bee Box Deep (Box Only)

    A high-quality deep bee box, crafted for strength and durability. Ideal for expanding existing hives or setting up a new one.

    $35.00 Original price was: $35.00.$30.00Current price is: $30.00.

  • Bee Box Deep with 10-Frames and Plastic Foundations
    Sale!
    Hive Components

    Bee Box Deep with 10-Frames and Plastic Foundations

    Get started with a complete deep bee box set, featuring 10 durable frames with plastic foundations. This ready-to-use hive box provides an ideal environment for building a thriving bee colony.

    $70.00 Original price was: $70.00.$60.00Current price is: $60.00.

  • Medium Boxes (Supers): Placed on top of the brood boxes, medium boxes are dedicated to honey collection. A queen excluder is installed between the topmost deep box and the first medium box to prevent the queen from laying eggs in the honey frames. Queen excluders are specially designed grids that allow only worker bees to pass through while keeping larger drones and the queen confined to the brood area.

Inner Cover: Located on the topmost box, the inner cover features a central hole that accommodates a feeder, making it easier to supplement the bees’ diet as needed.

Top Cover (Outer Cover): The top cover protects the hive from rain and potential predators. It is painted to reflect sunlight and deflect water, ensuring the hive remains safe and dry.

Common Beekeeping Starter Setup

To begin a new beekeeping journey, you’ll need a complete hive setup and a nucleus of bees. Here’s what a typical starter setup includes:

🐝 Hive Components

  • Bottom Board ($25.00)
    • Serves as the hive’s base
    • Provides proper ventilation
  • Two Deep Boxes ($120.00)
    • Space for the queen to lay eggs
    • Allows young bees (brood) to develop
  • Two Medium Boxes ($100.00)
    • Used for honey storage as the colony grows
  • Inner Cover ($20.00)
    • Helps with temperature and moisture regulation
  • Outer Cover ($25.00)
    • Protects the hive from weather
  • Queen Excluder ($10.00)
    • Keeps the queen in the lower boxes
    • Prevents brood from being laid in honey supers

🐝 Bees

  • Nucleus Colony (Nuc) – $185.00
    • Includes a queen and a small, established colony to jump-start your hive

Total Estimated Starter Cost: $485.00

This investment provides a strong foundation for a healthy, thriving hive. Let your beekeeping adventure begin!