Second it should be small enough for you to lift and move if necessary.
Simple top bar hive plans.
Use shims of various widths for the other end of the hive to make a tight seal.
A ventilated roof on your hive.
You can also print the complete design plans and parts list which is posted below to build your own hive.
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 top bars are then added into the hive and a top wooden cover is placed on top.
This is a top bar barrel bee hive plan which is very simple to make.
The colorado top bar beehive.
Your top bar hive needs some type of roof to go over the flat lid of the hive.
Now let s begin with the first beehive plans.
With timbers the frame of the beehive should be made and then the roof and top frame.
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.
The follower boards represent the inside and now you are about to add the outer skin.
The hive is built upside down and inside out.
With a top bar hive the combs can become very soft and fragile if the hive is overheating.
The spacer should be 3 16 to 1 4 wide and 19 long.
Whether it is a cathedral hive or a regular top bar hive proper ventilation from a roof is needed.
The bees will build their comb onto this foundation which will hang down into the body of the hive.
3 feet high is the recommended height for a top bar hive.
This also allows for ventilation for the whole hive.
Position one of the side panels against the follower boards resting on the top bars.
A very good idea.
A mesh screen is added to the bottom of the hive to allow debris to fall out of the hive.
New beekeepers did not have to find and purchase special items.
A small nail tapped into the top bar prevents the side panel from slipping off.
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.
Top bar hives are perfect for small scale beekeeping or hobbyist who doesn t want to lift more than 40lbs.
The top bar hive could be constructed with materials that were readily available.
Lastly the top bar should be 32 to 33 mm or 1 1 4 inch wide.
Using wood glue or melted beeswax for a nontoxic option fasten the foundation into the grooves.
Warre hives are the middle ground between langstroth and top bar.
