When you start a beekeeping business, one of the most important items you can buy is the hive. Most bee keepers in the United States never even consider the Top Bar Hive. But this is soon changing, because this hive isn't as difficult to manage by bee keepers. If you are starting a bee keeping business, or a small hobby of bee keeping then you want to really think about the top bar hive, and these are the reasons why.



Many beekeepers use top hive beekeeping methods as their preferred method, because they feel they get optimum honey from the top bar beehive. Contrary to many beliefs the top bar beehive is not new, in fact, it dates back to the 17th century.

But, top bar hive beekeeping was perfected in the 1960´s in Kenya, Africa, and is nicknamed the Kenya hive. It is a simple design, and is cheap to maintain, that is why it is used in many developing countries, although, recently it has also been noticed by developed countries, like the United States.

-The Construction of the Top Bar Hive-

The top bar hive is popular because it is simple and only has a few components. It is made of the hive box, and only 20 to 30 frames or bars. The bees build their own comb, so no more frames are needed, and the top bars are reused after the honey is taken out.

-The Best Method-

Actually studies show that the top bar hive is the healthier option for bees. You don't have to disassemble the whole box to maintain the bees. Thus your bees won't be as invaded.

-Harvesting-

When you use a top bar hive, the honey harvesting is also easier, because all you have to do is remove the bars that have honeycomb, which is less time consuming and easier on you as it is on the bees.

Another benefit to the top bar hive is that you get more beeswax, and don't need an uncapping knife or extractor, and this saves you lots of money. With this type of beehive you don't need to use smoking methods and most beekeepers that use this method don't even wear protective clothing, although if you are new at the process, it is suggested that you do.

-Longer Bee Life-

The top bar hive also promotes better living conditions for the bees, and makes a strong colony, that is better able to fight of disease. This will eventually save you lots of money on medication.

-The Disadvantages-

The only problem with the top bar hive is that it is not made for maximum honey production. But if you are a small beekeeper a few pounds less of honey is well worth the ease of maintenance. This is a hive that really needs to be considered, talked about, and studied, before rejecting it.

Hopefully this article will give you a basic overview of the top bar hive in beekeeping. Once you get into beekeeping, you will realize why thousands upon thousands of faithful beekeepers love this hobby!