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Window Top Bar Hive

When it comes to the wonderful world of beekeeping, there are a variety of concepts and equipment options available on the market. Throughout the years, the United States has taken a liking to the notion of using a top bar hive in their beekeeping efforts. The cost-saving properties, as well as uncomplicated design of the hive have proven a real help for emerging countries, such as in parts of Africa.

Traditionally, those who have invested their time and money into beekeeping have used the Langstroth beehive. This type of beehive consists of many different boxes and other attachments in order to manage the bees, as well as produce honey. Constructing the Langstroth model is not an easy task and is often quite expensive to purchase. The top bar hive solved some of these problems by offering a simpler design, as well as many other advantages that make beekeeping much easier.



Simple Construction

Unlike the Langstroth option, a top bar hive consists of a box (often referred to as the hive body); a lid; and about 25-30 frames (top bars). Traditional approaches towards beekeeping often called for the purchase of expensive frames, but with the top bar hive, the bees themselves build the honeycomb. Also, the starting of the comb is made easier for the bees because the top bars are already coated with wax. Once the harvest has passed, the top bars can be used for the next season.

Today, the top bar hive offers several different choices in regards to entrance points. The regular model highlights minimal entrance, where another model features many different holes. Another option is to choose a top bar hive with full entrance capabilities.



Harvesting is Easier

Other methods require taking apart the hive, but with a top bar hive, this is not needed. When it comes time to harvest the honey, simply remove the bars containing honeycomb. There are additional benefits to using a top bar hive. You will also enjoy an increase of beeswax during your harvests. Plus, beekeeping is much easier when you don't have to purchase or use a honey extractor or uncapping knife. Some of these items could cost you an arm and a leg. Not enduring the smoking process is also a relief. Although it is suggested, many top bar hive users do not wear protective gear.



Better For the Bees

Through the design of the hive body, a top bar hive provides an environment that is conducive to the health of the bees. Your daily beekeeping duties will not interrupt the honey-making process when it comes time to check on the comb. Top bar beekeepers are not required to dismantle the whole hive in order to perform routine maintenance.



The living conditions for the bees are considered better when using the top bar hive. For starters, with the positioning of the lid, good ventilation is achieved. Healthy bees are one of the most important beekeeping goals. When the colonies are stronger and healthier, they will be able to better resist harmful pests and diseases. This will also eliminate unwanted medication costs or an inadequate harvest.



Calling All Hobbyists and Beginners!



The top bar hive is a great selection for those interested in beekeeping as a hobby. You may not get the maximum amount of honey that others will receive, but it provides easy management for beginners. One thing you will get more of is beeswax, which can be used to your advantage in many different ways. Also, for the environmentally conscious, a top bar hive reduces the stress levels and overworking of a bee colony. Even with the purchase of one top bar hive, you will have more than your fair share of honey for relatives and friends to enjoy.

Top Bar Hive Features

• hand made in the USA
• 100% stong, high-quality cedar board including lid (no cheap metal or plastic!)
• exterior screws (no cheap nails or glue)
• The outside has been sealed with a high quality wood sealer. The inside is not painted and should remain so.
• The hive comes with 25 bars which have been started with wax to help the bees start the comb in the right place.
• This hive is new and has never been used.
• about 37" long by 20" wide by 12" high
• The bottom board is inside the side walls which helps rain water run off the side without water seeping into the floor board.
• The lid sits on a one inch raised board to allow for good ventilation.
• Your choice of entrance style
• optional window for easy inspection

Resources
If you are already asking yourself where to buy a top bar hive, here is the answer: You can purchase a complete top bar hive or get just construction plans on www.NetShed.com There are three options for the entrance!