Abstract: A combination bee shipping box and beehive utilizes a commercial cardboard box having closure flaps as a body portion. A cardboard insert removably held in the box strengthens the box and provides a support for a plurality of standard frames or top bar frames. A flexible handle connected with the insert enables lifting the insert and supported frames from the box as a unit. When the box closure flaps are elevated and taped together, an additional tier of frames can be supported above the frames resting on the basic insert. Two boxes can be telescoped in assembled relationship to receive and support additional tiers of frames therein. A stable removable feeder assembly is provided in the space above the frames and below the box closure flaps to nourish bees during shipment. A ventilating screen closure panel for the box while being used as a hive is provided.

Abstract: An elongated rectangular cross section hive body provides increased useable volume compared to a Kenya hive. An easily replaceable flat bottom board for the hive body is provided. Raised end walls for the hive body enable using selectively standard or top bar frames in the hive body. Side handle strips on the hive body having sloping top faces facilitate the use of a hive tool for easy removal of a simplified top board for the hive body. Honey and brood frames for the hive of increased strength and stability are provided. The hive body possesses greater stackability than the prior art without loss of stability.

Abstract: A Kenya hive is modified to accept on top thereof at one end portion of the Kenya hive a Langstroth hive. Better wintering of bees in colder climates is thus achieved while retaining the known advantages of the Kenya hive. Modified forward brood frames and frame spacers enable the mounting of the Langstroth hive with stability on this portion of the Kenya hive. Modifications of the rear honey frames and top bars improve the efficiency of the Kenya hive and reduce its manufacturing cost. Other improved constructional features are disclosed.