What is a Basket Beehive (Skep)?
A skep hive is a bee shelter obtained by weaving flexible plant materials such as reeds, straw, chaste tree, willow branches, or forest ivy into the shape of an inverted cylinder or cone. In literature and among the public, it is also called a woven basket hive due to its construction technique. It does not contain a frame system like in modern hives; bees hold on to the ceiling of the hive and weave their combs downward entirely with the beeswax they produce themselves.
How is a Skep Hive Made?
Making a skep hive requires great hand craftsmanship and patience. Although the construction process varies according to the vegetation found in the region, the basic logic is the same. Generally, flexible branches (willow, hazelnut, chaste tree) collected in autumn or winter months or long-stemmed plants (rye straw) are used.
The construction stage follows these steps:
- Start: One starts in a spiral shape from the center that will be the peak point of the basket.
- Weaving: Materials are woven downward in circles using a technique called “snake-winding” or the compression method.
- Entrance Hole: At a point close to the bottom part of the basket, a small hole (“flight hole”) is left where bees can enter and exit.
When the weaving process is finished, the hive skeleton is ready, but insulation is essential for bees to live inside it. This is the point where the plastering process comes into play.
What is a Skep Hive Plastered With?
The porous structure of the hive whose weaving process is completed lets wind and cold inside. Therefore, the answer to the question **what is a skep hive plastered with**, frequently asked by beekeepers, is hidden in a traditional mortar that has not changed for centuries.
To cover the outer surface of the hive and provide excellent thermal insulation, the following materials are mixed:
- Fresh Cattle Dung (Manure): Its fibrous structure increases the adhesiveness of the mortar and prevents it from cracking.
- Wood Ash: Balances the acid of the mixture and acts as a disinfectant.
- Clay Soil or Mud: Used as a filler material.
This mixture is brought to a paste consistency and plastered onto the outside (and sometimes the inside) of the basket. This layer, which hardens when it dries, keeps the hive warm in winter and cool in summer.
Characteristics of the Primitive Beehive
In beekeeping science, these types of hives fall into the category of primitive beehive (Primitive Hive) as a technical classification. The expression “primitive” defines the hive’s simple structure and its being “fixed-comb.” The prominent characteristics of these hives are:
- Natural Comb: No ready foundation comb is given to the bee; the bee produces everything from scratch.
- Tendency to Swarm: Since the hive volume is fixed, when bees get crowded, they naturally swarm (divide).
- Limited Intervention: Since the hive interior cannot be opened, it is difficult for the beekeeper to manage the colony. Disease control or queen bee tracking cannot be done as in modern hives.
Beehive Types
Apart from the traditional skep beehive, different hive types developed to increase productivity and protect bee health in modern beekeeping are available. The main hive types preferred according to climatic conditions and beekeeping method are:
Styrofoam (Thermo) Hive
These are Styrofoam Thermo hives produced from high-density rigid foam (EPS), developed as an alternative to traditional wooden hives. Its biggest advantage is providing excellent thermal insulation. While protecting bees from the cold in winter, it prevents overheating in summer. Thanks to its light structure, it is quite easy to carry for those engaged in migratory beekeeping.
Nuc (Nucleus) Hive
These are hives with smaller dimensions than standard hives, generally with a 5 or 6 frame capacity. The Nuc Hive is used for queen bee production, catching swarms, or strengthening weak colonies rather than honey production. Since its portability is high, it also functions as a “transport hive.”
Dadant Hive
The Dadant hive type, which is especially common in Europe, is known for its wide body structure. The brood chamber part (lower body) is deeper compared to Langstroth hives. This structure offers a wide area for the queen bee to lay eggs and ensures overwintering passes more efficiently. It is suitable for more stationary and less transported beekeeping models.
Langstroth Hive
It is the scientific Langstroth hive type most commonly used in the world and in Turkey. The dimensions of the lower brood chamber and upper honey super parts are equal to each other. It is the cornerstone of modern beekeeping because its parts are standard and easily found, frames are interchangeable, and it is compatible with honey extraction machines.
