Simple Top Bar Hive Plans

The spacer should be 3 16 to 1 4 wide and 19 long.

Simple top bar hive plans.

This hive style was developed in kenya. 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 follower boards represent the inside and now you are about to add the outer skin. This is a top bar barrel bee hive plan which is very simple to make.

The hive is built upside down and inside out. Top bar hives are perfect for small scale beekeeping or hobbyist who doesn t want to lift more than 40lbs. 38 langstroth top bar and warre hive plans 1. With a top bar hive the combs can become very soft and fragile if the hive is overheating.

Place a strip of bee foundation inside each of the top bar grooves. 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. A very good idea. A ventilated roof on your hive.

A mesh screen is added to the bottom of the hive to allow debris to fall out of the hive. Use shims of various widths for the other end of the hive to make a tight seal. With timbers the frame of the beehive should be made and then the roof and top frame. Whether it is a cathedral hive or a regular top bar hive proper ventilation from a roof is needed.

A small nail tapped into the top bar prevents the side panel from slipping off. This also allows for ventilation for the whole hive. The bees will build their comb onto this foundation which will hang down into the body of the hive. You can also print the complete design plans and parts list which is posted below to build your own hive.

Your top bar hive needs some type of roof to go over the flat lid of the hive. Lastly the top bar should be 32 to 33 mm or 1 1 4 inch wide. 3 feet high is the recommended height for a top bar hive. First it should be large enough for your bees.

The top bars are then added into the hive and a top wooden cover is placed on top. Second it should be small enough for you to lift and move if necessary. Using wood glue or melted beeswax for a nontoxic option fasten the foundation into the grooves. There are only three critical measurements for your top bar hive.

New beekeepers did not have to find and purchase special items. The top bar hive could be constructed with materials that were readily available. The colorado top bar beehive. Now let s begin with the first beehive plans.

Position one of the side panels against the follower boards resting on the top bars.