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Built a top bar hive, just got bees in it.

 
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Olly398



Joined: 26 Jun 2009
Posts: 11
Location: Grantham, Lincs
PostPosted: Fri Jun 14, 13 6:33 pm    Post subject: Built a top bar hive, just got bees in it. Reply with quote
    

Hi all. Just thought I'd post up about the start of my bee journey. I went on a beginners' course at Grantham BKA which was really great. A chap there got me thinking about top bars, which really made sense when I read up on it.

The hive I've built is from an old wardrobe and has cost me about £15 in additional timber and paint.

I caught a swarm on Sunday and got it in. It absconded on Tuesday, I made a few mods, put them back, fed some, closed them in (plenty of vent through mesh floor) and they've drawn more comb I think. Released them, with a queen excluder over the entrance, today. Hopefully first inspection tomorrow.

Any tips appreciated! More info on blog if you're interested (link below)


Mithril



Joined: 22 Jul 2011
Posts: 1755
Location: wessex
PostPosted: Fri Jun 14, 13 6:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I know virtually nothing about bees, but good luck with it.

Blog looks interesting too

Lloyd



Joined: 24 Jan 2005
Posts: 2699

PostPosted: Fri Jun 14, 13 6:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Just checked the blog, Ollie. Very interesting reading, I hope to keep bees one day soon, so may be in touch if thats ok.

Olly398



Joined: 26 Jun 2009
Posts: 11
Location: Grantham, Lincs
PostPosted: Sat Jun 15, 13 11:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Thanks both. Course its okay, I know next to nowt but will be happy to help if I can

Tavascarow



Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 8407
Location: South Cornwall
PostPosted: Sat Jun 15, 13 12:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Leave them to settle for a few days before inspecting, & remove the queen excluder ASAP so any drones can fly.
Also if the swarm is a cast, & not prime there may be a virgin who will need to fly to mate, so any hinderence could disrupt this.

Olly398



Joined: 26 Jun 2009
Posts: 11
Location: Grantham, Lincs
PostPosted: Sun Jun 16, 13 10:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Thanks for the advice. I am fairly sure it was a prime swarm as I know the owner of the hive it came from. I will remove the excluder soon. I saw a drone was able to get through however.

I inspected today and found a cross comb problem which has forced me to have a rethink. I will try making some bars with foundation strips in ASAP.

Olly398



Joined: 26 Jun 2009
Posts: 11
Location: Grantham, Lincs
PostPosted: Mon Jun 24, 13 2:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Update...

Queen excluder came off a few days ago; I observed some eggs in the comb so I deduce its probably 'queenright' and unlikely to abscond now

Top bars with foundation strips went in to assist straight comb building.



Weather's been crap so they've been fed again and are currently building comb on seven or eight bars of a 10-bar chamber (which is book-ended by a follower vboard containing a 1" hole to access the feeder, in the other portion of the hive).

My inspection regime has been minimal; in fact I have only done one. Inspection window has been useful. Thanks for the advice so far!

Tavascarow



Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 8407
Location: South Cornwall
PostPosted: Mon Jun 24, 13 3:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

The first mistake most beginners make is opening the hive to often.
Glad they are settled & laying.
Spend as much time as you can observing the entrance activity.
Much can be ascertained about the inside without diving inside.
This book is worth reading for more info.

Olly398



Joined: 26 Jun 2009
Posts: 11
Location: Grantham, Lincs
PostPosted: Mon Jun 24, 13 10:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

There's my bedtime reading sorted for a bit then! Thanks for the tip

Olly398



Joined: 26 Jun 2009
Posts: 11
Location: Grantham, Lincs
PostPosted: Thu Aug 08, 13 11:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Just by way of an update, the bees stayed, they have built out around 15 bars of comb in my TBH. It has not been plain sailing though, because they didn't want to build the comb straight and I've had a few problems trying to sort it... however I am getting there. I took a tiny bit of honey yesterday which was really delicious.

I've learned so much and gained confidence working with the bees, so its been a good season for me. I hope to build a second TBH (haven't told the OH yet! ;D ) for swarm control / expansion next year. I'll change my bar profile to a deep "v" or perhaps waxed foundation strips (which I have had success with here), but definitely not a waxed saw kerf!

All my notes and photos are documented here


Sally Too



Joined: 14 Sep 2006
Posts: 2511
Location: N.Ireland
PostPosted: Thu Aug 08, 13 8:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Great blog - and lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes with all your bees.

Olly398



Joined: 26 Jun 2009
Posts: 11
Location: Grantham, Lincs
PostPosted: Thu Aug 08, 13 10:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Thanks, that's very kind
I like your blog too, your skills are way beyond my contemplation but your place looks like a lot of fun!

Tavascarow



Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 8407
Location: South Cornwall
PostPosted: Fri Aug 09, 13 10:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Olly398 wrote:
I'll change my bar profile to a deep "v" or perhaps waxed foundation strips (which I have had success with here), but definitely not a waxed saw kerf!


I had the same problem.
I'm currently trying the small bottom bars from old national frames nailed to the top bar.
Better results than the wax & saw kerf, but one or two bars are still crossed.

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