Top Bar Beehive

[contadino]

I recently completed a top bar beehive using the plans available from the Biobees website. It was a pretty simple project and if you want, you can see it in the blog entry my wife wrote up about the bees arriving.

http://www.growveg.info/viewtopic.php?f=3757&t=15083

It has provided me with two important lessons:

1. It's the first time I've used linseed oil and beeswax for protection against the elements. Time will tell, but it's already endured some spectacular rain and looks none too bad for it.

2. I've found a wood yard nearby that is cheap, where they cut accurately, and where the wood's not as green as everywhere else I've tried. Next time I'll save myself some work by not having a 5mm margin for error on every item on my cutting list

 

[Ironballs]

Interesting post, you'll have to let us know how your bees get on

 

[Digit]

I recently swung over to boiled Linseed oil from Danish oil for outside use and can confirm that it's weathering properties are much better, it's also cheaper. I live in one of Britain's damper localities as well.

Roy.

 

[Ironballs]

I re-coated the bench with Ronseal Yacht varnish 18 months ago and am disappointed to see that it needs doing again already - that's outdoor sitting on bench not work bench.

Think I'll give it one more go with the varnish and then replace the cheapo pine with oak.

Back on topic (ahem), what's the difference between this kind of hive and the more usual squarer type?

Chap at work decided to keep bees and so far was in the red sugar wise, he had to feed them more sugar and honey solution during the cooler months than they produced in the warmer ones

 

[laird]

Ironballs, did you warm the varnish before applying?

 

[Rich]

I recently swung over to boiled Linseed oil from Danish oil for outside use and can confirm that it's weathering properties are much better, it's also cheaper. I live in one of Britain's damper localities as well.

Roy.

Yes, myself and my family are aware of that fact :wink: nonetheless, a beautiful bit of countryside and more importantly, a "welcome" in the hillsides.

Rich.

 

[Digit]

It's dry sometimes Rich, trust me! :lol:

Roy.

 

[Ironballs]

Bet it wasn't today, felt like someone had flicked the "November" switch

 

[Digit]

Not today, no, but we live in hopes. At least the rain is warm at this time of the year! :lol:

Roy.

 

[contadino]

Back on topic (ahem), what's the difference between this kind of hive and the more usual squarer type?

Chap at work decided to keep bees and so far was in the red sugar wise, he had to feed them more sugar and honey solution during the cooler months than they produced in the warmer ones

This type of hive is less geared towards the production of honey, and more towards letting the bees make their combs the way that they think is best. My goal is to not feed them at all and still have a healthy colony in 12 months time. If I get no honey this year it won't be an issue for me.

If your friends bees are soaking up the sugar, it's probably due to having insufficient forage around, or having a lazy queen.