Don't Buy or Build a Top Bar Hive - until you have watched this!

There are many ways to design and set up a top bar hive and until you have used one for a while, it is not easy to see the advantages and disadvantages of different systems. In this video, I describe and explain some of the key design features I incorporate into my hives.
Free top bar hive plans here - biobees.com
Warre hive plans here - tinyurl.com/warrehiveplans

[@garygoodson2412]

What is under the top bar hive? What are the straps? Very nice approach to beekeeping. Natural. Thank you for your knowledge.

[@thisculturedlife2220]

Thanks. As a South African ex-pat now living in the US, it's nice to hear reference to compatibility to both National and Langstroth, as well as some comparison to the Tanzanian top bar hive. It's helped me get a clearer understanding of my hive choices for natural beekeeping.

[@crosnoet]

Excellent video explaining specifics and logic of design. Don't think I've seen one like it yet. Great job, Phil!

[@Shakingstevesallotment]

Hi Phil, I joined your webpage many moons ago when I first started with bees and homemade tbh, I then went onto nationals, and now after 8yrs, have ordered a pre made tbh, following you again

[@georgegarcia5052]

Great video. I appreciate that you explained the several advantages to the shape of the top bar hive. The little pieces of wood, used to hold the hood, is very clever! Thanks!

[@JimLaddie]

Well Phil, looks like I have you to thank. Just finished building a top bar hive following John Peters' instructions on a variation of your design. Next time around I'll go with a lighter lid like the one shown here. Mine has an extra layer of plywood and some insulation inside. I put a couple of handles on the lid so that I can lift it clear and my wife will add some artwork . It's a beautiful, practical piece of garden furniture and a perfect way to make use of this particular time. So..... Thank You!

[@jpachecoarrieta]

I am in Colombia, just trying to start top bar hives. Thanks your are pretty clear in your video. I hope you maintain your channel and formation aids. I'm, by now, learning to begin, I have some beekeepers among my friends but until now I only know langstroth hives. I'm very enthusiastic about that beautiful hive.

[@vonries]

Very interesting. I really appreciate you telling Is across the pond that we would want 19". Now the side slope finally makes sense. Less sun in the summer time, more (some) in the winter. I like the way you present things too. Tanks

[@budove58]

I'm getting into beekeeping this year and building my own hives. Out of all the videos I've watched and websites I've read, this is by far the best instructional I've seen. You covered all of the questions I had, even the size of top bars to be compatible with standardized gives. Thank you!

[@organistbenjabenjakasina6501]

Am too entering into this busines nice explanation

[@shamreigns7765]

Please I want to get into bee keeping but don't know how to make hive

[@salakoabdulrahman3423]

Please benefit me with links to other beneficial materials you've read or came across in this regard

[@huertayabejas2212]

Gorgeous! You are allways very clare in your explanations. Your english is also very clear, which is important to me since I'm from Argentina. Im setting right now a tbh constructed by myself and I follow your instructions. Thank you very much

[@idahopotato5837]

Nice design and good instructional video. Thanks.

[@freemansoutdooradventures3152]

Been revisiting these videos for more tips and I just like seeing good top bar content

[@nicholasjordan1697]

Great video details significant design aspects in a clear and concise way many thanks I will share with my beekeeping group as several members are interested in making a hTBH

[@brain6496]

The most informative video on top bars. Thanks

[@jackieforget5606]

thankyou Phil for this very instructive video : So many practical tips and reasons thereof clearly explained ! I have one question : what are the turquoise beads near the entrance for?

[@BloomWhereYourePlanted]

Thank you for explaining why the sides of tb are sloped in!! Have enjoyed your videos. I am going to put a bar in between each built out Tb this weekend to hopefully straighten them out. I will check the width of my bars too. Thx

[@karynhart8601]

I live in a cold climate. How often can you harvest? And how much do you leave for bees to overwinter in the snow?

[@InniobongAkwa]

Can you please give a detailed description of the different parts of the bee hive for a clear understanding of a person that wants to start bee farming.

[@ecalzo]

very informational and instructional.. thanks

[@VibrantEarthSeeds]

Are you using woodchips in the bottom of the hive? For what purpose? Thank you!!

[@paulngatia88]

Good work.very insightful.

[@eye8lou]

Really great video. Very informative. ♥ 🐝

[@josephwoodall832]

Great stuff I think I'll build one

[@notcharles]

Thank you for sharing this information. @ about 9.05 you show a red 'blanket' and a reflective insulating (bubble?) sheet on top. I thought the reflective sheet would do better under the blanket to reflect the heat generated in the hive with the blanket covering all to help retain the heat and serve as a shield from the cold Winter air. Am I missing something?

[@bub1683]

Good video. Wood is proper grown in Sweden, markt Södra... Not important but awsome to se a part of sweden in your Beautiful projekt.

[@crude4u1948]

Question Phil. What do you do when you want to harvest some honey but there is quite a bit of capped brood on the frame as well?

[@roylangford6434]

Hi Phil Found you on the web and watched a few of your video. Very helpful in building my first topbar. I have finished all but the floor as I am trying to get the best of all designs as in incorporating a hinged bottom, eco floor and screen. I live in New Zealand so temp where I live is quite mild compared to some.Winter low where I am is around 8 degrees Celsius and highs around 26. Anyway thanks for your instructural videos

[@kellysoo]

I am from Northern part of NSW, Aus. Our winter low is 0° (no frost where I am though) summer high 45° (not too many weeks though) would the specs of the design work for me? Thank you so much. 😊

[@Octoberfurst]

Very nice hive!

[@PopsShack]

Good video, Phil. Do you have another video about the detritus in the bottom of the top bar hive?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Pop's Shack see below.

[@shannarose9860]

Thanks, Phil, this is a helpful video- I just did a presentation on TBH to my local Bee group, and I will forward this to them. I have always not liked the hinged lid, as I learned to tend TBHs with access to both sides. This also helps when I am teaching someone, however I am now planning to build them with similar hinges, as the weight and bulk of the roof is difficult to maneuver for a small woman. The difference will be that the lid can be easily removed from the hinges if preferred. I would also like to see the bottom of the hive. Obviously you couldn't show it on this video with the bees in it, but perhaps you could post one with an empty TBH upside down. Also, could you please discuss entrance options, as well as extra ventilation holes. I see you use side entrances.

[@lorus511]

You might try using Stainless Steel Take Apart Hinge - 89mm x 50mm - Left & Right Available for your roof. It's something I'm thinking of doing also.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

I will make some more TBH videos ASAP. I hope your questions will be answered.

[@earthwormjj]

Such good advice

[@sulaymanjammeh4054]

Excellent

[@grahamrdyer6322]

Nice to have you back.......I know you haven't been away, I have built a TBH and some Trap hives, I'm gona have a go if I can catch a swarm.

[@TheRainHarvester]

We're you successful?

[@chepindichepindi3328]

Thanks very much

[@efrem_1167]

Please try the Layens Horizontal hive!

[@GeraldineHindson]

veryhelpfulthank You from East CapeSA

[@kzstmla]

Hello sir. What do you think about LR horizontal hive, it should be better in terms of interchangeably with regular LR like frames which would make harvest much more easier. Are there some cons transfering LR to horizontal LR except for taking more space? Thanks

[@CRHall-ud9mq]

I was just wondering, if wild garlic flowers are medicinal and provide a natural antibiotic for bees? Does anyone have any ideas on that please? I have yet to get start truly and practicing learning bee keeping. I love bees, and I think they love me! I think your top bar hive is brilliant. Many thanks for sharing with us, and for the top bar hive plans. Thank you :-)

[@f.demascio1857]

Great video. Thanks for the added info. Years ago I bought and used your plans to build two TBHs. I still have them. QUESTION: You do not apply beeswax to the top bar ridge? I cut a kerf into mine, then waxed popsicle sticks into it as a starter strip. Looks like you may have learned more from the bees.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

There is more than one solution!

[@darrencox150]

Hello, underneath the hive you were just talking about. The natural floor, is it held in place by a section of roof guttering?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Yes, it is an industrial size, 150mm wide.

[@luckydubeinrc5165]

Hi phil what is the width of the topbar pse, tks for the video.

[@mihai.r-beekeeper5694]

Thanks Phil. Noted. Pollen hawthorn?

[@traviswoodruff8034]

How do you extract the honey from a hive like this? I just have the regular hive box with the standard frames. I have been thinking about going to horizontal hives. I am from Alma Arkansas

[@nobertl]

Good idea for education and sher idea

[@sikinosiki]

hi from Martinique, what's sort of feeder bees do you use please ?

[@LolitasGarden]

I think the one thing you neglected to mention is the floor. I noticed a natural "forest" aspect to it. I have a screened bottom and I am considering closing it up for winter, however I do not want to create a box of damp, cold moisture. Any advice? Thank you.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Lolita's Garden The floors are plastic guttering filled with composted wood chips. See my "eco-floor" videos.

[@beryal-honey]

Hello, don't be tired. The wood of this beehive is 3 cm or 2 cm in diameter🙏

[@sergium6317]

Nice design, they need also a landing platform. :)

[@tm1972]

Why

[@cleoborac9560]

How do you shake the bees off the comb when you harvest honey or when you want to inspect?

[@richardwhite2736]

Hope all is well? I have noticed that you haven't posted many recordings for some time? Anyway I built a top bar along your lines after watching this over a year ago, this week I managed to catch a swarm and installed yesterday, fingers crossed all will be well. Just thought I would let you know. Cheers

[@beckysanner4712]

Do you extract honey from the top bar hive? I guess you would install a queen excluder in a board similar to your end boards, correct?

[@petermaunsell4575]

Hi , you mentioned bees bringing in ivy, in your opinion does ivy nectar make good honey?

[@stephenkent1102]

Hi Phil, my first year keeping bees, I'm in NW Leicestershire and have two national hives on my allotment. I'm very keen on building a top bar for next year, some have the entrance holes in the end, is there much difference? It looked as though you had twigs and leaves in the bottom of the hive, or was that just looking at the ground through the mesh? Thanks for the video 🙂

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Take a look at my other top bar hive videos. Side entrances have a number of advantages, mainly to do with the ability to use tandem followers, which make checking both ends of the colony much easier. For an explanation of the floor material, see my "eco floor" videos.

[@jarnold8803]

Does the depth of the hive make a difference? 2 x 8, 2 x 10, 2 x 12

[@stanleycardwell7200]

Hello. Very informative video. What is that in the bottom of the hive? It looks like leaves or twigs.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

This is an iteration of the "eco-floor". You will find a couple of videos that deal specifically with this feature, but bear in mind that it is experimental.

[@charlieadams1313]

Can anyone tell me if there are less bee casualties using the top bar hives? I’ve been helping a friend with her box hive and I’m pained by how many are squished When checking on the hive.

[@TheASMRlogs]

Would a rounded top bar work? Like half a dowel perhaps?

[@timwillcox3526]

Very interesting feeder idea (on top). I have 1st hive and awaiting a swarm catch. Is that plastic feeder commonly available (NZ) and do bees draw comb either side of the slot I. The top bar? Pm if poss. Tim

[@oldbat3340]

Also looking for a source for that feeder. Or even a name to use in a search.

[@roystheboy]

Where can i get some plans to build one

[@timscoins1978]

Hi Philip how do you keep the Queen out of the honey ?? like you would use a queen excluder to stop her from going up into the supers .....Tim

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

timothy byrne Queens won't cross a honey barrier to lay their eggs, so excluders are not needed, although you can use a vertical QX if you choose.

[@arthurmilton80]

could i build a top bar hive that i canput national frames in it i would include follower boards and side hole entrance i would include an eco floor

[@jphomebrew]

Where can I find that feeder that is on top?

[@chalabibrahim6463]

جيد جدا واصل العمل

[@jarnold8803]

What is the length of the sidewall?

[@dobe762]

Question please ... what dimension wood are the top bars made from? it looks like 2''x2''x(17''as mentioned). The half pipe (looks like) on the bottom, does the wooden crate addition shown in another video perform better? TIA

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

The bars are 38mm or 1 1/2 inches wide and about 32mm or 1 1/4 inches deep. some people prefer to use narrower bars and add shims. The eco floor still needs some refinement, but this is still better than solid wood or mesh IMO. There must be no gap between it and the walls, for obvious reasons.

[@dobe762]

Thank you, think I'll be trying to get a couple of hives made up over the winter.

[@DARKLYLIT]

Can you please tell me what the "Langstroth"-looking hives next to the TBH''s are? They almost look like plastic totes.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

DARKLYLIT They are 6-frame Paynes Polynucs.

[@richardwhite2736]

Not sure if you will read this, but you didn't talk about the bottom of this hive, it looks like guttering with wood chip on? I am just building one and would be useful to know? Cheers

[@Lord_Volkner]

How would you separate the honey from the rest?

[@eatrightfully]

I guess the angle on that V-shape is about 25 degrees... Phil? I'm wondering whether you could plow eighth slots at right angles to this slope for extra surface area or maybe some shallow saw cuts...anyone?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Ray Purse You mean the top bars? you could do that, but a rough surface is probably as good and less work.

[@aventureabeille9257]

Good 😁

[@PETANI_DAILY]

Mantap bos 👍👍🙏

[@johnkozaczok3713]

Question,... With all these bees creating a bottle neck at the one entrance, would it be wise to create 2 or even 4 or so to give them a chance to drop of there pollin , do there bee things, and get more ? So less down time .

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

There are 3 entrance holes.

[@sidneywhite749]

Do you offer plans for building the top bar hive?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

sidney white see biobees.com

[@paullee7542]

Great help from your vids but can you tell me why some of the top bar hives I've seen have spacers on the the top bars giving the usual bee space but on your hives the top bars are flush?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Paul Lee Top bars are always flush. Spacing is achieved within the width of the bar (38mm in my case) It sounds like what you saw was a horizontal frame hive.

[@paullee7542]

Ok Philip thanks for that, being a newbie I didn't realise that a top bar hive and a horizontal hive were different.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Paul Lee Yes, there are horizontal frame hives, which work in a similar way to the TBH but are significantly different in the way they are constructed and managed.

[@paullee7542]

Great so if Iam sticking with a TBH then 38mm is the width to go by.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Some people are successful with bars down to 32mm, but i have found 38 more reliable in avoiding cross combing. i cant be certain that will work everywhere, though.

[@deefrench218]

Hi Phil, I'm a newbie and awaiting a swarm but could you tell me please why you turn the hive around? Thanks. Dee

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Dee it's for swarm control, explained in details in my book. Don't worry about it if you are just starting, its second year stuff.

[@deefrench218]

Thanks for that Phil. |I've got your Balanced Beekeeping II: Managing the Top Bar Hive but haven't read it all yet, or is it in Book 1? Thanks.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

It's in the one you have.

[@deefrench218]

many thanks. Dee

[@lovinfl07]

How do you harvest your honey? It doesn't look like you can spin it

[@deefrench218]

Hello Phil, I know you don't use chemicals for varroa, and I wouldn't either but I've had my hive for just 3 months and so far have had 2 dropped combs during inspections despite being ultra careful and not turning them in the wrong way. So I'm a bit nervous of taking them out to sprinkle icing sugar and feel I have to do something about varroa so have ApiLife Var strips. Have you any uncomplicated tips how to use these in a TBH? I'm a girl and pretty much ignorant of woodworking. Many thanks. Dee

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

I've never used them, but I presume they are designed to be hung between frames in a conventional hive, so can you not hang them between bars?

[@deefrench218]

Thanks for your very prompt reply. They're designed to rest on top of the bars in a National hive so have to be adapted to hang between; it's been suggested to tie wire around the strip and hang it from the top of the bar so that it hangs between two combs but it's very crumbly (a bit like oasis for flower arranging) and liable to break up. I just thought you might have had experience of this and knew of a better plan. Also, where did you get your puffer for spraying icing sugar? Thanks. Dee

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Maybe you could put them in a dish on the floor? The power blower is old, made in Japan and the only one I have ever seen. There are devices on eBay that do a similar job, albeit plastic.

[@deefrench218]

I'll have a look on eBay for the blower. Thanks. Dee

[@bartacomuskidd775]

wait.. how do you get these bars out to harvest honey, and wax if thay are waxed to the slants? how do you take out drawn out bars to make splits?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

It's very easy in practice. Bees don't always attach comb to the sides, but if they do, it will only be small pillars of wax, which are adult cut through with a knife.

[@sarahdye2633]

Hi Phil, I'm curious what you use for the v-shape on the top bar. I don't have a router table- I imagine that is probably the easiest way to make them. I have struggled to find an off-the shelf triangular trim - the closest I have found is supposedly triangular, but is missing the 'point' of the triangle, so more like a trapezium, which will probably work. I've also tried cutting triangular strips from sheet material with the circular saw tilted to a 45 degree angle, with passable results, but a lot of faff. Any insights you (or others) can share would be great.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Hi Sarah, don't worry about the shape too much: a truncated triangle works well, as does a square and a half-round shape! Anything that gives the bees a strong hint as to where they shoukd build their comb is fine.

[@HausImNorden1]

I know, this Video is old but can you please give an update about the thickness of the wood you use for hive?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Minimum of 25mm

[@alexanderilinskiy9926]

Hello Phil. In one of your answer there is a phrase "horizontal frame hives, which work in a similar way to the TBH but are significantly different in the way they are constructed and managed." You obviously prefer TBH. Could you, please, explain what benefits it has over the horizontal frame hive?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

The main benefits are simplicity and ease of construction. A horizontal hive using standard frames must be made to exact dimensions, otherwise bees build comb in places they shouldn't and the thing can become unusable. Top bar hives are simpler to construct, do not require precise dimensions (other than well-fitting follower boards and you don't need to buy frames.

[@alexanderilinskiy9926]

Thank you, Phil. Is it also right that inclined walls bees consider as floor and that is why do not attach comb to them?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

To some extend, although I have yet to find a hive that is totally free from attachments. They are easily severed with a bread knife, however.

[@alexanderilinskiy9926]

Saying "I have yet to find a hive that is totally free from attachments" you mean the angle of the side walls that bees consider them as the floor and not to attach the comb to them or what? Also I would like to know your opinion on the so called Cathedral hive - kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6S9dYWEqdKfd5I

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

I don't think the angle is particularly important, although Les Crowder says he has few attachments in his hives, which have 120° angle, like the cathedral hive, which is derived from a design I posted some years ago. I am currently editing a video of some cathedral hives made by a friend of mine.

[@wiseman2732]

I THINK YOU JUST MADE IT DIFFICULT (BOTTLE NECK)FOR THE BEES TO GET IN THRUGH THESE HOLES, I CAN SEE MANY BEES WITH POLEN ON THEIR LEG WALKING AROUND THE HOLE.

[@timreed9703]

What is on the bottom?

[@beeman6427]

I bought a top bar hive and the follower board does not go all the way to the floor. Is it supposed to?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

BeeMan yes, it should, or it is likely to attract wasps to the unofficial entrances.

[@Majorme2]

Phil. It been awhile since I’ve posted….in this vid where can I acquire the feeder….. Howard..

[@garybenson]

A random question, but do you general leave the holes in the follower boards open, or do you block them?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Open for feeding, closed to keep out robbers and wasps.

[@garybenson]

@@BarefootBeekeeper Ah, I assumed you'd close them, but in the video it looked open. I wondered if it was there so bees didn't get trapped the wrong side of the followers when you close up.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

@@garybenson if there are bees on the wrong side, it's ok to leave it open. If there are no wasps around...

[@terry2346]

Very interesting! I have made a top bar hive. Also have made a Layens hive and modified Layens with styrofoam sandwiched sides and bottom as I live in Minnesota and am concerned about the severe winters and overwintering the bees. Do you have any experience with the Layens hive?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

I know someone who has several of them, and when I was in Norway in May I saw something very similar to a Layens being built. I think they are likely to be good overwintering hives for colder climates.

[@terry2346]

@@BarefootBeekeeper Thanks for the quick reply! I am looking forward to this season, but I may have to wait a bit as the low for tonight is -4 F :) Could you give me contact info for that person who has them or give my contact info to them? [e-mail]

[@limbutucristian2425]

I see that you do not have an landing board. you do not need one or what? thanks!

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Limbutu Cristian I have never seen a tree with a landing board. You can fit one if you wish.

[@Brainchild69]

I won't disagree with the good points of using a top bar hive, I had bees do really well in one for several years. One problem in my part of the world is that in the summer it gets pretty hot, and if they are doing really well, and bringing in lots of nectar and build large combs full of honey, the wax gets a bit oft and the comb will break off near the top and, at best, make a huge mess inside the hive, and at worst, fall on and kill a bunch of bees, including the queen if she's in the area, which appeared to have happened in my hive.

[@taniorganik4702]

how much does a bee colony cost

[@lifeonsibuyanphilippines7212]

Sir, do you have plans/diagrams for that hive you can share?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

See my web site biobees.com

[@garywjensen1]

Mine fell apart, and did not work.

[@irishcoffee6894]

The bees never attach the comb to the side of the hive ??

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Sometimes they do, but such attachments are easily severed. It's not a problem.

[@wadebarnes6720]

What kind of IV are you talkin about

[@jorgschultze4486]

Hallo phil ich habe eine Frage an dich ich suche dunkle Bienen Königinnen . Ich lebe in Deutschland .

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Hallo Jörg, Ich schicke keine Bienen aus diesem Land, aber es gibt viele ausgezeichnete Bienenzüchter in Deutschland. Ich glaube, es gibt Teile Deutschlands, in denen nur A. carnica gehalten werden darf. Deshalb sollten Sie sich zuerst an einen sachkundigen Imker vor Ort wenden.

[@jorgschultze4486]

@@BarefootBeekeeper ich bin im Imker Verein . Ich Imker seit 2001 . Bei uns sind 2 Imker die haben vor 2 Jahren mit der Zucht und Haltung der dunklen Bienen begonnen . Ich bin auch darunter. In unser Verein sind mehrere Imker die auch mit büchersorpion arbeiten und mehrere Bienen Rassen . Ich bekomme dunkle Bienen Königinnen aus Schweden . Ich suche dunkle Bienen Königinnen um Inzucht zu vermeiden. Bei uns in Verein hat man nichts dagegen das wir die dunkle Bienen halten. Wir haben in unsern Verein eine Belegstelle für die carnica . Jeder in unsern Verein kann entscheiden mit welcher Bienen Rassen er halten möchte . Gruß Jörg

[@dalegirard9740]

Thats his opinion

[@ChristopherMoody-nz8hv]

0:55

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

The Angel of will begin to twist it 31.36 every soul shall taste death

[@limbutucristian2425]

you will like this video of jon peters

[@uvaldohemeterioperezhemete1851]

Are you blackmail us lol I saw 👀 😅 good stuff for know going hog wild will make may