Apiary
Lexikon
An apiary is the place where a beekeeper has set up his colonies, and at the same time the simple roof or stand on which the hives are placed.
An apiary is the place where a beekeeper has set up his colonies, and at the same time the simple roof or stand on which the hives are placed. Unlike a bee house, an apiary is open, easy to move, and usually does not require a permit.
A good site is dry, sheltered from wind and drafts, not in a frost hollow, and gets sun in the morning. The hives stand raised so that you can work without bending over and so that no moisture rises from below. Also important are a water source within reach, access by vehicle, and enough distance from footpaths, terraces, and livestock.
Legally, the apiary is the unit to which the regulations refer. The location must be stated when registering as a beekeeper. Under Section 5a of the Bee Disease Ordinance, a clearly visible, durable sign with name, address, and number of colonies must be attached at a migratory apiary.
For keeping colonies healthy, the distance between entrances and a varied approach situation also matter, so that the bees do not drift. Rows of uniform hives standing close together encourage drifting and thus the spread of mites and diseases.