Keeping A Top Bar Beehive – Part One: Understanding the Basics

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Beekeeping has grown in popularity over the last few years, but not everyone wants to keep bees in a traditional Langstroth beehive. There are many different types of beehives available, and one option is the top bar beehive. In this post, we will explore the basics of keeping a top bar beehive, including construction, natural beekeeping methods, choosing the right location for your hive, and harvesting honey.

What is a top bar beehive?

A top bar beehive is a type of beehive that gets its name from the bars that run across the top of the hive. These bars require no frames, as the bees build their comb directly from the bar themselves. This is a more natural way for the bees to build their comb, and it offers some benefits over traditional Langstroth hives.

Why choose top bar hives over Langstroth?

One reason to choose a top bar hive over a Langstroth hive is that top bar hives are less invasive. With a Langstroth hive, beekeepers have to remove the frames to check on the bees, which can disrupt them. In contrast, with a top bar hive, you only have to remove the top bars to check on the bees, which minimizes the disruption.

Another benefit of top bar hives is that they are generally easier to build and maintain than Langstroth hives. Langstroth hives require precise measurements and a lot of woodworking skill, whereas top bar hives only require basic carpentry skills.

Is natural beekeeping with top bar hives better?

Natural beekeeping is a term used to describe beekeeping practices that prioritize the health and well-being of the bees. It involves taking a hands-off approach to hive management and minimizing human intervention in the natural processes of beekeeping.

Top bar hives are well-suited to natural beekeeping practices because they allow the bees to build their comb freely and naturally. This way of keeping bees can be less stressful for the bees and can have a positive impact on the environment. By following natural methods of beekeeping, honey collectors can significantly reduce their impact on the environment.

Top Bar Beehive Construction

Parts of a top bar hive

To build your own top bar hive, you will need to know the parts that make up the hive. The main components of a top bar hive include the long box that houses the bees, the cover or roof, and the top bars that serve as the foundation for the comb.

Other components of the top bar hive include the follower board, which is a removable divider that helps the bees control the temperature and humidity of the hive, and the entrance reducer, which helps regulate the airflow into the hive.

Materials to build your own top bar beehive

One of the benefits of top bar hives is that they are generally easier to build than Langstroth hives. You can build a top bar hive using a variety of materials, including scrap lumber, pallets, and even bamboo.

The most common materials used to build a top bar hive include cedar, pine, and plywood. Cedar is a popular choice because it is weather-resistant and naturally repels insects. Pine is another popular choice that is more affordable than cedar but less durable.

When building your top bar hive, it is important to use non-toxic materials, as the bees can be sensitive to chemicals and toxins. You should also avoid treated lumber, which can be harmful to the bees.

Natural Beekeeping Methods

Why Natural Beekeeping Matters

Natural beekeeping is becoming increasingly popular as people become more concerned with the health of the bees and the wider ecosystem. Bees play a key role in pollinating crops and wildflowers, and their decline has serious implications for food security.

By prioritizing the health and well-being of the bees, natural beekeeping can help ensure the sustainability of bee populations and protect the environment. This approach to beekeeping involves taking a hands-off approach to hive management and minimizing any disturbance to the bees.

Sourcing Bees for Top Bar Hives

When it comes to sourcing bees for your top bar hive, there are a few different options available. One option is to catch a swarm of bees from the wild, which can be done by setting up a bait hive near an area with wild bees.

Another option is to purchase a package of bees from a local supplier. Be sure to choose bees that have been bred locally and are adapted to the local climate and conditions.

Managing Swarming in Top Bar Hives

Swarming is a natural process that occurs when a hive becomes too crowded. It is a sign that the colony is healthy and strong, but it can also lead to the loss of honey and bees.

To manage swarming in your top bar hive, you can make sure the hive is large enough to accommodate the growing colony. You can also monitor the colony for signs of congestion and add more space as needed, such as by adding an empty top bar.

Choosing the Right Location for a Beehive

The importance of the right location

Choosing the right location for your top bar hive is important for both the health of the bees and the success of the hive. A good location should offer protection from wind, sun, and rain, as well as easy access to nectar and pollen sources.

It is also important to consider the surrounding environment and whether there are any potential hazards, such as pesticides or predators.

Plants to grow near top bar hives

Another consideration when choosing the location of your top bar hive is the plants that are grown nearby. Bees rely on nectar and pollen to survive, so having a variety of flowers blooming throughout the season is important.

Some good plants to grow near top bar hives include lavender, rosemary, sunflowers, and clover. Be sure to choose native plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil type.

Harvesting Honey from Top Bar Hives

How to extract honey from top bars

Harvesting honey from a top bar hive is a bit different than harvesting honey from a Langstroth hive. Instead of using an extractor, you simply cut the comb off the top bars and crush it to release the honey.

To make the process easier, you can use a pipe cutter or other specialized tool to cut the comb off the top bars cleanly. Once the comb is removed, you can crush it in a cheesecloth or mesh bag to release the honey.

How to know when to harvest honey

Knowing when to harvest your honey is important to ensure that it is fully ripe and ready for consumption. You can tell when honey is ripe by looking at the color and consistency of the comb.

Ripe honey is generally lighter in color and has a more viscous consistency than unripe honey. Additionally, the bees will have capped the cells with wax to seal in the honey when it is ready to be harvested.

Top bar beekeeping has many benefits over traditional Langstroth beehives. By allowing the bees to build their comb naturally and minimizing human intervention, top bar hives offer a more sustainable approach to beekeeping.

By following natural methods of beekeeping, honey collectors can significantly reduce their impact on the environment. In Part Two, we will continue our discussion and learn more about keeping bees in the top bar hive.

FAQ

• What is a top bar beehive and how does it differ from traditional Langstroth hives? A top bar beehive is a type of beehive that has bars running across the top instead of frames. It is less invasive and easier to build and maintain than Langstroth hives.

• Do you need a lot of space to keep a top bar hive? No, top bar hives can be kept in small gardens or even on rooftops.

• How do I source bees for my top bar hive? You can catch a swarm of wild bees, or purchase a package of bees from a local supplier.

• Can top bar hives produce as much honey as traditional hives? Yes, top bar hives can produce just as much honey as Langstroth hives if managed properly.

• How do I know when the honey in my top bar hive is ready to harvest? Ripe honey is generally lighter in color and has a more viscous consistency than unripe honey. The bees will also have capped the cells with wax when the honey is ready to be harvested.

• Is natural beekeeping better than traditional methods? Natural beekeeping is a sustainable approach that prioritizes the health and well-being of the bees and the environment. It offers many benefits over traditional beekeeping methods.

• How can I choose the best location for my top bar hive? Choose a location that offers protection from sun, wind, and rain, easy access to nectar and pollen sources, and is free from potential hazards.

• What are some good plants to grow near top bar hives? Some good plants to grow near top bar hives include lavender, rosemary, sunflowers, and clover.

• Will certain weather patterns affect top bar hives more than others? Like all bees, top bar hives are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Extreme weather events can stress them, so it is important to monitor the hive during these times.

• What equipment do I need to get started with top bar beekeeping? To get started with top bar beekeeping, you will need a hive, protective clothing, and some basic tools such as a hive tool and smoker.