How to weigh a native bee hive
We recommend that all native beekeepers become familiar with the weight of their hive at least three to four times a year. At a minimum, it’s best to weigh before and after winter to get a general idea of the hive’s health. We try to weigh our hives monthly, as this provides valuable data on when hives gain the most weight each year. This can correspond with weather events (consistent rainy weather can impact hive weight) or with different flowering events. Strong hives can easily put on 1 kg in a month if they have access to a few heavily flowering bloodwood or macadamia trees.
One of the main reasons weighing hives is important is that it can provide early warning signs if a hive is in decline. Hives losing significant weight should be closely monitored. Another key reason is to determine whether your hive is ready to split or harvest. If you don’t know the empty weight of your hive, it’s difficult to assess how much the colony itself weighs in relation to the overall weight. A hardwood hive can weigh 15 kg without a colony, meaning a hardwood hive ready to split might weigh around 19–20 kg. In contrast, a composite hive could weigh just 6.5 kg and still be ready to split, as these hives are much lighter to begin with.
Key weights:
Empty rectangular hives weigh 2.7 kg with a roof
Hives typically ready to split weigh over 6.5 kg
Hives usually ready to harvest weigh over 7.5 kg
Although a heavy hive generally indicates a strong colony, it doesn’t necessarily reflect the amount of brood inside. Brood volume is the key factor when splitting a hive. Both halves of the split need adequate brood to ensure success. Even some heavy hives may have insufficient brood.
Some argue that weighing hives is unnecessary, but when combined with external observations—such as monitoring forager activity, pollen and resin entering the hive, and the disposal of brood casings—it provides a reliable indication of hive health without needing to open or inspect the hive internally.
To weigh your hive follow these steps.
Take the any type of scales (bathroom or luggage scales work well, use a strap around the hive when using luggage scales) and put on a stable surface near the hive location.
Zero out the scales if necessary
Remove hive from starpicket or bracket
Place hive on the scales and record the weight
put hive back in same original position.
By weighing the hive close to the original location it should only be away from its position for a few moments. This will ensure there is minimal disruption to the activity of the hive. It also can be done early in the morning or later in the evening when the activity from the hive is less.
