How many top bars for brood?

[jmgi]

I built my first two KTBH's with 30 bars each, bars measure 18" long and hive's are about 10" deep. Just put 3 lb. packages into them two weeks ago, did a quick release of the queens at that time. I did one inspection so far, a week and a half after installing them to see that the queens were accepted o.k. and laying, which they both were. I gave them 8 top bars to start with in front of the divider board, and they were progressing real well with capped brood, plenty of pollen and nectar stored already. Only 2 of the 8 bars were not drawn out yet. My question is this, approximately how many bars can I expect these hives to use for brood rearing before they go to honey storage bars? Thanks.

[REWERT]

I think as a general rule at least 8-10 (depending on hive volume). I think you should have more bars in there right away. I've heard many having issues with swarming if you don't give them more room well in advance. At this point you shouldn't have to worry about too much heat loss so why not just fill-r-up and don't take a chance.

[LenInNorCal]

One fellow here (I apologize for not remembering their name) posted that bars should be added, at this time of year, where the brood are in order that swarming be prevented. Makes sense to me. So one bar where the brood are and one or two towards the honey/pollen/nectar area, usually in the rear. I gather the Langstroth folks consider swarming a "bad" thing, but the view with TBH folks it simply means your hive is bursting with energy and thriving. Don't make them swarm, so put a bar where She is and her attendants will stay busy building brood comb.