Top Bar Beehive

Raising bees not only provides you with the freshest honey, it also gives your fruit and vegetable garden plenty of pollinators for increased harvests. The simple design of this top bar beehive allows combs to be inspected and harvested one at a time, creating minimal disturbance to the hive. Unlike stacked-style beehives, the top bar beehive does not require heavy lifting, and it comes with a stand so you can care for it without stooping. Hive and stand are crafted of untreated Western red cedar that is naturally rot- and pest-resistant. 1"-thick boards provide substantial insulation. Rustproof galvanized metal lid facilitates water run-off. Simple to use and harvest-no extractors, frames or extra boxes required. Top bar design allows bees to build their own combs. Follower boards allow you to expand hive as needed. Hinged roof provides easy access. 29" x 5" hinged viewing window allows inspection and observation without disturbing bees. Three side entrance holes; undesired entrances may be plugged with provided bungs. Some assembly required. Lid comes fully assembled. Hive: 44" x 17" x 10 3/4" high overall. Stand: 35" x 22 1/2" x 30 1/2". Includes 28 top bars, 2 follower boards, 3 bungs, 3 corks and galvanized metal screws. Bees not included. Made in USA.
Average Customer Rating:
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Customer Reviews for Top Bar Beehive
Review 1 for Top Bar Beehive
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
724ilb
November 24, 2012
Would You Recommend? Yes
+23points
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BeeThinking Top-Bar Hive
November 24, 2012
This top-bar hive is very well constructed and just the right size... not too small and not too big.
The thick cedar wood offers excellent insulation from both heat and cold, and will last a very long time. We gave ours two coats of paint to protect it even more.
The viewing window is great. It allows us to check on the bees without disturbing them.
We collected a swarm for our hive by placing a "swarm removal ad" on Craigslist. Our feral bees have been very healthy and we haven't used any chemicals in the hive.
We provide a clean water source for our bees, and protect them from Argentine ants and yellow jackets.
Be sure to leave all the honey for your bees the first year. Then take only a few bars in late spring, leaving a surplus for winter. Take one comb at a time, cut it from the bar and replace the bar for the bees to build more comb.
"The Thinking Beekeeper: A Guide to Natural Beekeeping in Top Bar Hives" is a good primer.