[GregB]

Hi All,
I'm a brand new member and haven't started a hive yet. But I've been doing a lot of research. I have a relatively small space (so, backyard beekeeper) in a wooded setting in central Wisconsin (zone 5b) (see my profile pic and attached - the hive will be placed near the bushes by the lake). I've decided on a 4' top bar hive, which I will build myself based on Philip Chandler's Youtube instructions. I also hope to start it by trapping a local feral swarm. We'll see. Clearly, I'll need guidance.

Cheers,

Matt

View attachment 73649

Hi Matt,
Your neighbor here.

My advice to you would be to NOT follow this plan - not the best for our area and you will only be disappointed - this regarding both - the TBH and the "feral bee swarms":

".............4' top bar hive, which I will build myself based on Philip Chandler's Youtube instructions. I also hope to start it by trapping a local feral swarm............."

Study this forum a bit:
Top Bar & Horizontal Hive Forum | Beesource Beekeeping Forums

Depending on where you are at - you may contact me for potential assistance.
I am in Dane Co.

 

[GregB]

If you find that top bar hives simply won't work in your location. Give the Layens hive a whirl.

In my location (and certainly to the North of me) - ability to feed the bees from above if not mandatory then certainly very desirable.
Robbing yourself of this important feature (by using unmodified TBH/Layens design) is not a reasonable thing to do - regardless of what Chandler or Sharashkin are teaching.