Record-keeping System For Your Hives

An important aspect of beekeeping is keeping track of how each hive varies over the year and from year to year. For example, sometimes a queen’s rate of egg laying will suddenly drop off, and the number of frames of brood will drop. Without a record of the history of the hive, it might be hard to note changes like this until it is too late for remedial action. Similarly, hive conditions vary from year to year depending on such factors as rainfall, nectar flows, and type of bee. All of these variables make it difficult to recall past years’ conditions or how a hive in the past reacted to changes in key factors.

There are many ways to set up a record-keeping system. One idea is to make notes in pencil on the top cover of each hive as to its condition, what you did on each visit, and any recommendations for future action. Or, you can number your hives and keep a notebook. Some beekeepers use a brick on top of each hive, with its position indicating hive status. I recently came across a record-keeping form that looks quite useful.



You can find it at this URL: http://www.pugetsoundbees.org/hiveinsp.pdf

You might want to print it out and give it a try. At least it would provide a general outline of what to look for as you open a hive.


Source: Tom Chester’s Beekeeping Tips