Top-bar

[Neilbaldwyn]

Hello, just wondered if anyone has any experience with top bar hives? I'm looking to start my first hive this year and have been told top bar hives are good for beginners if you're not too worried about smaller yields. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Neil

[Madasafish]

I have on active colony in a top bar and had up to seven previously.. since 2010.

Topbars are cheap to make and run.

But inspections are not so easy and management can be difficult if you have no experience of bees. Closing up bars when bees are all over them requires some finesse.

Very much easier on your back! No heavy lifting.

Mine have hinged roofs- which is essential for the bigger 4 foot long ones..

Some early pics:

[Neilbaldwyn]

I have on active colony in a top bar and had up to seven previously.. since 2010.

Topbars are cheap to make and run.

But inspections are not so easy and management can be difficult if you have no experience of bees. Closing up bars when bees are all over them requires some finesse.

Very much easier on your back! No heavy lifting.

Mine have hinged roofs- which is essential for the bigger 4 foot long ones..

Some early pics:

Thanks for that. I've had some experience on a communal hive at my old allotment but this will be the first time going it alone.

Is that an observation window on the front of your box?

[Madasafish]

I had one colony with an observation window. I blanked it off. Nothing useful to see and it suffered from condensation (despite a cover) in winter..

[nick the grief]

My friend has just made a version of a Top bar Hive but his sn't the normal Vee shape like your Madasafish but a box section that takes normal frames. As I've just order about a dozen fruit trees for on my lotty I was thinking of getting a hive of my own and I was thinking of going down the top bar route

[Madasafish]

Be aware:
beekeeping can be seriously addictive
It is easy to lose all your bees.
It can also become seriously expensive if you become addicted and don't DIY..

I DIY and make most things I can and buy through Gumtree etc recycled wood and insulation etc.. but I still spend £200 a year on bits...and sugar and frames.. TBHs are cheap to make and run but you don't get much honey...

Why keep stinging insects and get no honey? :-)

[nick the grief]

it will still be cheaper than photography TBH I'm not supposed to have honey as I'm diabetic but I do enjoy the odd spoonfull now and again and they will do a better job on my fruit trees than I can so well worth it in my view