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Introducing our handcrafted Layens 14-Frame Beehive, designed for natural beekeeping enthusiasts seeking simplicity and efficiency. This hive arrives fully assembled with pre-wired frames, allowing you to focus on your bees without the hassle of assembly.
Are you interested in beekeeping but don't know where to start? Consider starting with our Layens 7-frame beehives. New to Layens hives? Read why the Layens hive is the best choice for natural beekeepers — and how this design supports healthier, treatment-free colonies.
Layens beehives are a classic horizontal hive design that provides ample space for your bees to thrive, making them ideal for colder climates and natural beekeeping practices. Their unique design allows for easy inspection and honey harvesting, ensuring a rewarding beekeeping experience.
Because Layens beehives expand horizontally, they do not require a super to be stacked on top. This saves you lifting heavy boxes full of honey during the honey harvest.
Our Layens 14-frame starter hives are built by hand by Amish craftsmen in rural Kansas.
Featuring:
✅ Fully assembled.
✅ Includes fourteen pre-wired frames, ready to accept sheets of wax foundation.**
✅ Made of solid wood, 1-1/2" thick.
✅ Two entrances for optimal ventilation and entry.
✅ Heavy duty metal covered ventilated lid and corner protectors, for durability.
✅ Unfinished exterior. Finish or paint the exterior with your preferred natural product.
✅ Perfect for a full sized colonies in most locations.
✅ Can be used to make two walk-away splits, utilizing both entrances.
Explore our other natural beekeeping products for a complete setup.
Learn how to use a swarm trap to catch your own free bees! Read our how-to guide here.
**Note: We do not yet sell wax foundation for Layens frames. As an alternative, you can alter Langstroth foundation to fit Layens dimensions by simply cutting it down to size.
Layens 14 Frame Beehive | Fully Assembled Horizontal Hive
What is a Layens 14-Frame Beehive?
The Layens 14-Frame Beehive is a standard sized horizontal hive designed for natural beekeeping practices. Its size and structure make it ideal for use as a complete beehive. The deep frames mimic the bees' natural habitat, promoting healthy colony development.
Can this hive be used as a nuc box?
Yes, the 14-frame capacity is perfect for housing two small nucleus colonies. It provides ample space for brood and resources, allowing the both colonies to establish and grow before transferring to a larger hive if desired. Note, to do this, you will need a divider board to create separation between each colony within the hive.
Is it suitable as a swarm trap?
Our 14-frame hive is not designed to be a swarm trap. However, swarms are known to move into unused beehives that have open entrance discs. Placing it in a strategic location during swarm season can help you capture wild swarms effectively. Read more about catching swarms here.
Can it function as a starter hive?
For new beekeepers or those starting a new colony, this hive offers a plenty of space to place a new colony and allow it to expand the following season. Its design facilitates easy inspections and maintenance, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced beekeepers.
What materials are used in the construction?
Our Layens 14-Frame Beehive is crafted from high-quality, 1-1/2" solid pine, providing a natural environment and longevity. The materials are selected to withstand various weather conditions while maintaining a conducive environment for the bees. To protect and preserve the exterior of your Layens 14-frame beehive, apply a natural finish such as linseed oil or a latex paint.
Does it come assembled?
Yes, the hive is fully assembled and ready for immediate use. All frames are assembled and pre-wired. All you need to do is add wax foundation and finish the exterior. This allows you to focus on beekeeping activities without the need for additional setup.
Can I expand this hive as my colony grows?
The 14-frame hive is designed for small to full-sized colonies. As your colony grows, you can simply add additonal frames until all 14 are in use.
Is it compatible with standard Layens frames?
Yes, it is designed to accommodate standard Layens frames (included), ensuring compatibility and ease of transition between different hive sizes within the Layens system.
What maintenance is required?
Regular inspections are recommended to monitor colony health and hive conditions. Due to its horizontal design, the hive allows for straightforward inspections without the need to lift heavy boxes, reducing strain and disturbance to the bees.
