Simple Top Bar Hive Plans

If you want to build the most simple beehive possible most beekeepers would tell you to choose a top bar hive.

Simple top bar hive plans.

Since each top bar accounts for only half of the bee space required between combs a spacer should be placed between the first bar and the side of the hive. First it should be large enough for your bees. 38 langstroth top bar and warre hive plans 1. The follower boards represent the inside and now you are about to add the outer skin.

Mar 22 2015 beehive design plans special projects uncategorized woodworking here s a how to video on building a new top bar beehive using thermally treated poplar. There are only three critical measurements for your top bar hive. The hive is built upside down and inside out. The top bar hive could be constructed with materials that were readily available.

A small nail tapped into the top bar prevents the side panel from slipping off. Top bar hives are perfect for small scale beekeeping or hobbyist who doesn t want to lift more than 40lbs. This hive style was developed in kenya. You can also print the complete design plans and parts list which is posted below to build your own hive.

Place a strip of bee foundation inside each of the top bar grooves. With timbers the frame of the beehive should be made and then the roof and top frame. Now let s begin with the first beehive plans. 3 feet high is the recommended height for a top bar hive.

This is a top bar barrel bee hive plan which is very simple to make. Using wood glue or melted beeswax for a nontoxic option fasten the foundation into the grooves. With a top bar hive the combs can become very soft and fragile if the hive is overheating. A mesh screen is added to the bottom of the hive to allow debris to fall out of the hive.

The colorado top bar beehive. The spacer should be 3 16 to 1 4 wide and 19 long. The first item which is required as the name suggests is the 55 gallon barrel or drums which is going to be the foundation. The top bars are then added into the hive and a top wooden cover is placed on top.

Whether it is a cathedral hive or a regular top bar hive proper ventilation from a roof is needed. A ventilated roof on your hive. This also allows for ventilation for the whole hive. New beekeepers did not have to find and purchase special items.

Your top bar hive needs some type of roof to go over the flat lid of the hive. Position one of the side panels against the follower boards resting on the top bars. A very good idea. Use shims of various widths for the other end of the hive to make a tight seal.

The bees will build their comb onto this foundation which will hang down into the body of the hive.