Tremendous value for money, a quality hive. (Thorne Bees On a Budget The Basic Kit)

Member Name: thejazzyj

Product:	Thorne Bees On a Budget The Basic Kit
Date:	08/07/09 (49 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cedar - long lasting, good assembly instructions, value for money

Disadvantages: None

This is the ultimate starter kit if you are keen to begin beekeeping. At under £170 it is excellent value. The kit contains a hive consisting of an open mesh floor with entrance block, a brood body (where the queen lays her eggs) 2 super boxes (where the bees make store honey) and a roof with a galvanised top. All of these wooden parts are supplied in cedar which is well known to be the ultimate hive wood. The reason for this is that Cedar lasts unprotected for over 30 years.

As well as the exterior you are also provided with the necessary frames which are the Hoffman self spacing style for the brood box and SN1s which fit in the castellated supers. These arrive flat packed (along with the rest of the hive) and require assembly which is fiddly.

For the prospective beekeeper a smock and veil is provided. We have ordered 3 of these so far and oddly each came with a different design of smock, however all were of good quality. To accompany this you also get a pair of goat leather gauntlets which are of good quality although at times prove a little clumbersome when handling frames.

The set is completed with a hive tool for working the frames and hive parts, a smoker with 2 cardboard cartridges and a feeder for the bees. All of these have proved essential as a new beekeeper.

This kit is exceptional value for money. I have not seen a cheaper cedar hive anywhere else and that's not even considering the extra pieces. Our hives are now up and running and containing plenty of bees.

Summary: On value for money you will struggle to beat this product, just add bees!