Simple Top Bar Hive Plans

Lastly the top bar should be 32 to 33 mm or 1 1 4 inch wide.

Simple top bar hive plans.

The bees will build their comb onto this foundation which will hang down into the body of the hive. Whether it is a cathedral hive or a regular top bar hive proper ventilation from a roof is needed. 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. The spacer should be 3 16 to 1 4 wide and 19 long.

With timbers the frame of the beehive should be made and then the roof and top frame. The hive is built upside down and inside out. If you want to build the most simple beehive possible most beekeepers would tell you to choose a top bar hive. The top bars are then added into the hive and a top wooden cover is placed on top.

38 langstroth top bar and warre hive plans 1. This hive style was developed in kenya. 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. This also allows for ventilation for the whole hive.

The top bar hive could be constructed with materials that were readily available. This is a top bar barrel bee hive plan which is very simple to make. Second it should be small enough for you to lift and move if necessary. New beekeepers did not have to find and purchase special items.

Now let s begin with the first beehive plans. Warre hives are the middle ground between langstroth and top bar. Position one of the side panels against the follower boards resting on the top bars. You can also print the complete design plans and parts list which is posted below to build your own hive.

A ventilated roof on your hive. Place a strip of bee foundation inside each of the top bar grooves. Use shims of various widths for the other end of the hive to make a tight seal. There are only three critical measurements for your top bar hive.

A very good idea. Top bar hives are perfect for small scale beekeeping or hobbyist who doesn t want to lift more than 40lbs. The colorado top bar beehive. Your top bar hive needs some type of roof to go over the flat lid of the hive.

A small nail tapped into the top bar prevents the side panel from slipping off. The first item which is required as the name suggests is the 55 gallon barrel or drums which is going to be the foundation. With a top bar hive the combs can become very soft and fragile if the hive is overheating. The follower boards represent the inside and now you are about to add the outer skin.

A mesh screen is added to the bottom of the hive to allow debris to fall out of the hive.