de Layens/Lazutin/Colmena/Tragupka/Trugstade/Ukrainian Long Hive are similar hives used throughout Europe. Their design varies but they have one thing in common - extra deep frames. This, along with thick, well insulated walls, makes them particularly good for cooler climates. They have one box capacity so there is no need to ever lift a hive box again. Natural Beekeeping Tasmania introduced the Lazutin hives to Tasmania and Australia in 2018/19 and have been building and improving the design ever since. We have learnt many lessons from the Layens and Lazutin hives and along with research on bee health of colonies living in natural conditions, we now follow some important rules for the hives.
Gabled lids are by far better for the colony than flat lids. Flat lids create condensation in the hive especially if the lids are covered in tin. Condensation will also occur if the lid area is filled with insulating material like sheep’s wool. It is the air cavity above the frames that steadies the air temperature and stops condensation. Moisture is a killer of bees either directly or through fungal growth.
Lazutin Hives are made to replicate the conditions the are healthiest in - warm, humid and acidic conditions, so ventilation needs to be restricted to the small entrance at the front of the hive. Any additional ventilation in the lid or in the hive body acts against these conditions. If you are planning to build a Lazutin hive, commit to building a gable lid and your bees will do so much better.
Our frames are now devoid of any impediments like wires, foundation strips, wax strips, dowel or mid-frame bars. The bees do fabulously with natural comb and provided they have roughened timber on the underside of the top bar, they are able to attach their comb firmly and straight.
Check out the Classes page to join the next Lazutin Hive Practical Session.
Join LazutinHivesOfTasmania on Instagram or request to be included in our monthly zoom get-togethers to learn more about these amazing hives.
Instructions for preparing your hive for the bees is found here - Preparing Your Lazutin Hive.
Lazutin Hive Gallery - Some of the NBT Lazutin hives built and decorated by others to inspire you.
