Observation Hives: How to Set up, Maintain and Use a Window to the World of Honey Bees

Observation hives have fascinated people since they were first invented over 2000 years ago. This book explains in detail how to set up, maintain and use an observation hive in nearly any location. It goes into great detail on how to use an observation hive as a teaching tool in nature centers, school rooms, museums and other education sites.
Many of the chapters in this book were originally produced as a monthly series in Bee Culture Magazine published by the A.I. Root Company.
The invention of glass and the moveable frame brought observation hives into the modern age. The simplicity of their construction and ease of management makes them available to almost everyone, in any location.
Successfully managing an ongoing observation hive, however, requires the basic skill of beekeeping, and although these can be learned on the job, we strongly urge anyone not familiar with these skills to bring an experienced beekeeper into the picture so as to avoid costly errors, and to increase the enjoyment of the hive.
Bringing an observation hive into your life will forever change how you, your family, your students, and anyone who pauses long enough to wonder aloud.

Dewey Caron teaches beekeeping & introductory courses in Entomology & Wildlife Conservation at the University of Delaware. He was introduced to observation hives as a Ph.D. student under Roger Morse at Cornell in studies on queen initiation of swarming. He uses observation hives frequently in his beekeeping extension program and as a frequent visitor to schools, fairs, and other events. He has received excellence awards for both his teaching and his outreach.

Since 1988 Dr. Thomas Webster has been a researcher and apiculture extension specialist at Kentucky State University. His work centers on pest control in honey bee colonies and opportunities for honey production for Kentucky beekeepers. He has also worked with beekeepers in Belize and Ecuador on issues pertaining to successful management.
Dr. Webster has always been intrigued by the value and versatility of observation beehives and has used them regularly in his research.
Contributions by Maryann Frazier, Ann Harman, F. Peter Bohlemeijer, and Ray Nabors.