A look through the viewing window.

GaryMinckler · July 17, 2009, 05:41:46 PM

This is a swarm dumped in this top bar hive 9 days ago. A little intimidating to me. Not sure how to manage this yet. I've had so many swarms I ran out of equipment.

G3farms · July 17, 2009, 08:00:05 PM

what was intimidating?

looks like they are doing just great to me.

I like the observation window on your hive, did you build it yourself.

G3

GaryMinckler · July 17, 2009, 08:22:06 PM

The intimidating part is no experience with a TBH. I built it following a common set of plans and added the viewing window.

Scadsobees · July 18, 2009, 12:01:51 AM

It looks good, beautiful wax! What do you do about the attachments to the sides?

Cheryl · July 18, 2009, 12:11:12 AM

They look good from my perspective!

GaryMinckler · July 18, 2009, 02:56:00 AM

I don't know what to do about the attachment to the sides. I assume I have to cut them free from any attachment..wont they just reattach it? :?

RyanB · July 18, 2009, 11:43:15 AM

Yes it looks like they are doing great! If it is a top bar hive, that is alot of attchment to the sides though. Just have to be careful to cut it free.

Cheryl · July 18, 2009, 02:13:41 PM

Bees do anchor the combs in a TBH. It's not a big deal, really. If you have room to reach your hand/arm in and cut them free with a knife, do (when working the hive). Otherwise, the perfect hive tool for such attachments is coat-hanger wire end bent at 90 degrees and hammered flat like a blade. Extend it down into the hive, turn the end under the brace comb and slide the wire up and out, cutting the attachments.

They need the brace comb for stability, so don't cut it unless you really need to inspect that comb. They'll reattach it when you're done.

luvin honey · July 18, 2009, 03:47:58 PM

What beautiful, white and straight combs! Congratulations on a beautiful hive!

GaryMinckler · July 27, 2009, 01:25:19 PM

Cheryl... coat hanger/hive tool worked great!! Could very well be the BEST tool for this application. Thanks.

GaryMinckler · July 27, 2009, 02:45:14 PM

:cheer:

Cheryl · July 27, 2009, 07:11:36 PM

Ah, now that's beautiful!!!!! And I'm so glad the coat hanger idea works for you! :D

G3farms · July 27, 2009, 08:56:28 PM

That sure is a fine looking bar of comb for sure, looks awfuly fragile though.

I don't think I could do a TBH, I am a little rough sometimes.

G3

luvin honey · July 28, 2009, 12:22:04 AM

Ahhhh--I love that picture! I just got done describing in another thread that most favorite sight of a bar of comb the exact shape of the hive.

G3--You would do fine! If a klutz like me can do it, you could. The new comb and the stuck-together combs are fragile, but it's amazing how quickly they toughen up. I suppose, though, if a person is already in the habit of handling foundation frames it might take some getting used to...

Cheryl · July 28, 2009, 03:14:37 AM

Most important thing to remember is to not turn a comb sideways to inspect it, like you would with frames -- the comb would break off the bar. There are special ways to handle top-bar combs. It becomes second nature after a while.

RyanB · July 28, 2009, 11:35:14 AM

Look awesome! Love it when they come out like that dontcha!? :lol:

GaryMinckler · August 25, 2009, 09:02:32 PM

16 perfectly drawn bars just like the one in the picture...so far. 23 bars all together. If any one is interested in TBH beekeeping don't hesitate to try. My first experience has been inexpensive, quite simple, and VERY interesting. X:X

Cheryl · August 26, 2009, 02:43:52 AM

I agree!! I wouldn't be able to afford to keep bees at all, if I had to buy hive equipment. I've made a few simple top-bar hives, and I do mean simple; rudimentary. Got bees free by attracting a few swarms. First year, so not a lot of honey (yet), but we do have a little fresh comb on the table now and then. It's a nice perk!