Apiary
Lexikon
An apiary refers to the place where a beekeeper has set up their colonies, and at the same time to the simple shelter or stand on which the hives rest.
An apiary refers to the place where a beekeeper has set up their colonies, and at the same time to the simple shelter or stand on which the hives rest. Unlike a bee house, an apiary is open, easy to relocate and generally does not require a permit.
A good site is dry, sheltered from wind and drafts, not in a frost hollow, and sunny in the morning. The hives stand elevated, so that work can be done without stooping and moisture is not drawn up from below. Also important are a water source within reach, an accessible route for vehicles, 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 bee-keeping. Under Section 5a of the Bee Disease Ordinance (Germany), a migratory apiary must carry a clearly visible, durable sign with name, address and number of colonies.
For colony health, the distance between entrances and a varied approach situation also matter, so that bees do not drift between colonies. Rows of uniform hives standing close together promote drifting and thereby the spread of mites and disease.