Topbar bee hives1/5/2024 ![]() These are very popular because they are cheap and easy to use. With that in mind, you can use existing feeder solutions or make your own. The feeder needs to fit inside the hive to minimize robbing.The time of year will determine the kind of feed needed.The bees have no access to the area above the top bars unless you create access.When choosing a feeder for your top bar hives, you have to keep a few things in mind: Try and get someone to help you if possible. If you have to tilt it to the side, hold it as shown below. Keep the bee brush vertical to keep it from breaking off. Lightly brush off the bees that are on the comb. If not, return the bar to its position and try the next bar. At least three-quarters of the honey should be capped. Use the space to slide the next bar toward the end and lift to confirm if the honeycomb contains any honey. Use a hive tool to gently pry the bars loose if they are stuck. One by one, lift and remove the bars in the entire hive, starting from the end farthest from the brood comb. Remove the bar farthest from the brood comb. Whether your top bar hive has a removable or hinged roof, gently open the hive by lifting the top cover. How do I Harvest Honey from Top Bar Hives?Īll you need is a bucket or a large container with a lid, a knife, and your hive tool. Next, we’ll tackle how to harvest honey from your hive. This type of hive is not the best for commercial honey production, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get a harvest. Cumbersome to move and thus harder to transport.Lower honey yield compared to using a Langstroth hive, where you get more honey.And since the only standard required is adherence to bee space, you customize the design to suit your preference. ![]() ![]() Easy to construct – Whereas a Langstroth hive will cost you more than 100 dollars, making your top bar hive will cost half that, even less when using plain wood or even reclaimed ones.You can learn a lot by observing the behavior of the bees in a top bar hive. Allows for a more natural beekeeping method – Without foundation, the bees tend to construct the comb they want when they want it.Every bar you remove reveals a small opening, allowing you to do your inspection with minor interruption to the bees. The bees have no reason to fly at you once you open the top of the hive. Bees are calmer during hive inspection – The top bars form a barrier between you and the nest.Great for both young and old, and user-friendly for the physically challenged beekeeper. No heavy lifting required – With no supers, hive management will not break your back. ![]()
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