It was fun to put together, ezey instructions. Thanks

Just set up the hive last week and the bees are doing quite well. Easy to put together and quite sturdy. Thanks.

There are a couple of reasons why there are only 4 stars instead of 5. The first reason is because when we went to assemble the hives, there were a couple of pieces that were broken. The boxes were not damaged so it could not have happened during shipping. We could only conclude that the damage happened before or during the packing of the parts. We received the hives and did not assemble them for weeks after or we would have contacted HiveiQ to try and get the parts replaced. Instead we used some of the assembly glue to repair them. We'll see how they hold up.
The second reason is because of the screws that are used for assembly. I feel like a courser thread would be better suited. The finer thread screws are easier to strip for those who lack experience. It takes a couple of screws to get the feel for it. Not a big issue but one to mention nonetheless. Aside from those 2 reasons, I really like the hives. Since this is our first time using these, we will have to see how this summer goes. I have no reason to believe that there will be any problems. We will purchase again with the understanding that we need to inspect the contents as soon as we receive them and contact the company to remedy any issues.

I just installed my bees and they are already settled in and beginning to forage They are happy in their new home. Ill check back after the hot summer when I expect them to be nice n cool.

First off the company has just been excellent to deal with. I really appreciated the "hands on" approach by leadership. How refreshing that is!

I have noticed a couple of items in the use of the hive that might be a value for manufacturer's consideration for future use. I use a hot pipe, oxalic acid vaporizer on my bees to deal with varroa destructor mites.. This works out well for wood, however, for plastic or plastic form like this, it becomes a difficulty because of the fact that, the hot pipe would end up melting the plastic.

What I have managed to do is to use a silicon wafer similar to what I use for my apimaye hives and insert it in the front door flap with a towel stuck around it. This is not the best solution, but it's one that works presently.

Second, I would suggest that there be a vent hole in the center of each of the with a circular dial to choose as to whether you're leaving wide-open or simply leaving it open for exchange of air in and out. This is particularly helpful when the hive becomes fully populated, and instead of the girls having to land on the lowest point and then climb up essentially three stories tall they were able to land higher outside the hive get in directly via, an access hole on the side.

One of the things that I believe is missing on this is an inner cover. I've already found that in plasticized hives the bees have a tendency to create more propolis than in the wooden hive type. So they often propalize the single lid down very tightly. This makes it a challenge if you're having to pry it loose with a hive tool with a heavy lid as this one is.

My hives are located in a mountainous area where we get 35 to 45 mile an hour winds. The heavy weight top is helpful, but insufficient to keep the lid on in a high wind. Therefore, I still have to strap the hive. Perhaps some consideration of a latch on sides?

This is my first HiveiQ and so I'm gonna be seeing how it wears and what the honey production will be from the colony that I have currently installed in it. That also drive my decision about whether to purchase additional ones for future use.

I did apply three coats for high priced latex white paint to the exterior surfaces before construction to lessen the effect of sun scorch on the hive body and extend its life.. The plastic sucked this paint in significantly.