New to everything

[Anny]

I'm new to bee keeping, I just started my researching a few weeks ago and I still have so much to learn. I'm hoping to get bees this spring. I live in Michigan.

I am very interested in the Top Bar bee hive from the things I have read so far about it, I was wondering if anyone on here knows of any good websites or books on Top Bar bee hives that I might be able to read?

One reason I really like the idea of the top bar bee hive is that it's not as heavy as the other hives, about how heavy do you think a bar with comb and honey on it weights?

Do you think a Top Bar hive would be a good start for some one who has never ever had bees before? One thing I'm afraid of with the Top Bar hive, is that no one in my area will know anything about the hive, so I wont be able to get one on one personal help if I ever need it, what do you think about that?

Thank you so much.

[Hobie]

Don't know about a top bar hive (TBH), but a fully loaded standard Langstroth deep frame weighs probably 7-8 lb. On a TBH, it would definitely weigh enough to break itself off the bar if you tried to hold it horizontally, but that's easy to avoid.

[iddee]

A langstroth hive doesn't weigh any more than a TBH, if you handle one frame at a time, like you will with a TBH. A TBH is cheap to make and fun to play with for an experienced beek.

A langstroth is the known standard and is accepted by more beeks than any other hive. They are easier to handle, especially if they contain well secured foundation. They produce more honey, and are easier to find a buyer for if you decide to try to sell one or more.

In my opinion, a TBH is great for third world countries, and as a game to play for fun by experienced beeks. They are not the best choice for beginners to learn on, nor for the best results when trying to produce honey.

[sqkcrk]

Well put iddee. I couldn't have said it as well as you did. I agree.

[nuke]

hey there,
These other guys have much more experience and know how than I do but I did start this spring with my first bees. I did one standard lang and one TBH. The only thing I noticed is that bees are bees and they were pretty much doing the same things in each hive, so from my experience I'd say the learning curve is reading the bees not the hive. I liked the TBH for ease of working and because I could hide it easier in my back yard. Oh yeah and cheap to build. I am not real handy and still managed to make something that the bees seemed to like. I plan on always keeping some TBH's around to make chunk honey with and to harvest some wax from during the summer for the daughter to make her lip balm, candles, and soap or whatever new thing she wants to try. I say give it a shot. But, like I said, these other guys have much more experience than I do. They probably know something that makes it trickier that I don't.
Good luck,
Nuke

[Anny]

How come the Langstroth is the standard what makes it so much better other then the more honey thing, or is that the only thing?

What makes the Langstroth easier to handle? Because the foundation of the frame?

Why do you say they are not the best for beginners? Is it just because they are not as commonly used?

Sorry if I'm being annoying and asking to many questions I am just very curious.

[Hobie]

A langstroth hive doesn't weigh any more than a TBH, if you handle one frame at a time, like you will with a TBH.

I have to disagree unless you keep all your hives as single deeps. Sometimes you have to heft a whole box down to access the frames in the super below. Unless you are willing to take a long time and move it frame by frame.

Anny, if you do opt for the Langstroth hive, search here and on Michael Bush's site for info on using all medium supers, and consider the smaller 8-frame equipment. This will keep the weight down.

[Anny]

I have to disagree unless you keep all your hives as single deeps. Sometimes you have to heft a whole box down to access the frames in the super below. Unless you are willing to take a long time and move it frame by frame.

Anny, if you do opt for the Langstroth hive, search here and on Michael Bush's site for info on using all medium supers, and consider the smaller 8-frame equipment. This will keep the weight down.

Thank you for the helpful tip on using smaller supers and such I'll keep that in mind.

I can lift a good amount of weight it's just that I am rather petite in size (under 5 ft) so it was something I wanted to keep in mind.

[iddee]

>>>>How come the Langstroth is the standard what makes it so much better other then the more honey thing, or is that the only thing?<<<<

It is possible to buy from about any dealer, where you almost have to make the stuff for the TBH.

It is well known by all and easy to get info about.

It can be extracted or cut out, your choice. It is less apt to drop 6 lbs. of honey comb and 2000 bees on your feet if you turn it wrong.

It is possible to tilt it to the light for better examination of the cells.

It can be stood against the outside of the box while pulling another frame.

It is recognized by all beeks, therefore easier to find a buyer if you want to sell one or more.

Moving them from one area to another, the langstroth will stay together much better than a TBH, and a box full of collapsed comb after a move does NOT make for happy bees, and they WILL let you know it.


>>>>I have to disagree unless you keep all your hives as single deeps. Sometimes you have to heft a whole box down to access the frames in the super below. Unless you are willing to take a long time and move it frame by frame.<<<<

#1...Many handicapped and elderly beeks use a spare hive or super body. They move one frame at a time. With the TBH, you don't have the choice of two ways. Again, I said "IF" you handle one frame at a time, as you MUST do with a TBH. It gives you a choice not found with the TBH.

#2...Many beeks make a LONG Langstroth hive rather than stacking boxes. Another choice.

[Barry]

There are pros and cons to both TBH and Lang. The most important thing IMO is your determination. If you have that, you can start with either. There will be a learning curve with either one. You have this forum to ask needed questions as they come up. A TBH is probably a bit more tricky to work due to the lack of frames, but beyond that, I don't see much difference. Another option is a condo hive.

http://www.beesource.com/eob/condo/index.htm

This is my favorite hive.

[Hobie]

Good points, iddee.

[Michael Bush]

>I can lift a good amount of weight it's just that I am rather petite in size (under 5 ft) so it was something I wanted to keep in mind.

Keep in mind that a full ten frame deep weighs 90 pounds. A full eight frame medium weighs 45 pounds. How much do you want to lift?

[iddee]

A 10 frame deep only weighs 90 lb. when full of capped honey. It doesn't weigh near that when full of brood. It is also made of a shell and 10 frames, so one frame is less than 10% of the total, or 9 lb.

Even my antique, disc-slipped old back can lift 9 lb.

As Barry says, a condo gives the best of both worlds.

[katydid]

Any one out there have more pics or plans of this condo? I was thinking of trying out a modified version....(a htbh/warre combo). I would love some more info.

I was given a link on another forum, but it seems to have expired....


cheers
Laura