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My hive has crooked combs!
Cross comb usually happens for several reasons: 1. The hive wasn’t leveled and then re-leveled after a few days when the bees were first installed. 2. The spacers weren’t used in the hive correcWhat about Entrance Reducers?
We are no longer sending out entrance reducers because we have decided that they can cause the hive to overheat. The bees are not strong enough to move the entrance reducer out of the way. Due tDo I need to feed my bees?
It depends... Bees collect nectar and pollen as food, and use their honey stores as a food supply when nectar and pollen are not available. If you obtain your bees after the flowers have begun bVentilation and the top bar hive
A major difference between Top bar and Langstroth hives is their approach to ventilation. A Langstroth hive is built like a chimney. The result is a large temperature gradient with heat radiatinWhy didn't my hive survive?
Q. Two of my hives didn't survive this year. This is my first year and want to learn what may have gone wrong. A. I think we need to step back and realize that we have been interfering wiWhat are the effects of a Backyard Hive in an urban or suburban environment (on the neighbors, the dogs, the kids)?
Q. I am in the process of learning more about beekeeping, as I am thinking about starting a hive. I live in the Phoenix area and would be keeping a hive in my backyard. Apart from swarming, I am curioWhat tools and equipment do I need for a Backyard Hive?
...choice, I cover this in one of the FAQ's on the website (click here to read). When you are just starting out beekeeping wearing protective gear will give you an added comfort when working with the b...Are there any Bee Organizations you would recommend joining?
At the moment there are limited top bar beekeeping organizations. However, there are some out there, and you could be lucky and find one in you area. So, search for a local club or association in pShould we get and use protective clothing?
A. Whether or not you should wear a bee suit depends on your comfort level. Our suggestion is to start with maximum protection. Be mindful to move gently and smoothly without jarring the hivIs propolis a problem in the BackYard hive?
Managing the combs in a top bar hive is quite a bit different then the Langstroth hive. Propolis is not really problematic in the top bar hive because of the nature of how the bees suspend the cShould I weatherize my new top bar hive?
...inting the hive. Günther is a highly sought-after speaker on Bio-dynamic gardening and runs several natural beekeeping seminars a year. See the link to Günther’s book below. I would really suggest ...Do Top bar hives eliminate the need for Nosema or Foulbrood medication?
Q. Do Top bar hives eliminate the need for Nosema or Foulbrood medication? A. At the moment we are having neither of these problems. If you already have hives that have these problems locate your BackCan children work with the hive?
Q. What if I don't have a garden, and mostly want the beehive for my children for educational purposes? Is there a certain age that would recommend for the children who will care for the hive? A. I haHoney production and the BackYard hives.
If you are going into the business of beekeeping with only production in mind our hives cannot compete on a hive per hive basis with commercial hives. In our top bar hives the bees have to drawWhen can I harvest honey and how much should I expect?
A. The answer to this question depends on your local climate, the strength of your colony, when the colony was installed, and other environmental issues. In most cases, if you start early in the sprHow much setup is required?
A. The best thing about the top bar hive is that it is absolutely the easiest bee hive to set up and manage. This is what makes it perfect for the first time back yard hobby bee keeper. ThWhat are the benefits to my garden?
Q. What are the benefits to my garden? A. Pollination is critical to fruit and vegetable production and many areas are severely lacking in pollinators. Having your own beehive will give you your verHow do you deal with varroa mites?
We have chosen not to use treatments for mites. We believe that one of the biggest problems contributing to the decline of the bee population is weakened genetics caused by overly selective brDo you have provisions for a queen excluder?
With the BackYardHive you don't need a queen “excluder.” With the right management techniques and timing you can keep the brood separate from the honey stores. We typically avoid queen excludersAny thoughts on protecting the bees and hives from hungry bears?
A. Bears are definitely a problem around our area. There are a few methods used to deter bears from bee hives. A motion sensor sound alarm is one option. This alarm sends out a loud chime forHow do I obtain bees to put into my Backyard Hive?
...r swarm removers where you may be able to get on their list for a swarm of bees. Or try calling your local beekeeping association and seeing if they have a list you can get on for a swarm of bees....About our top bar hives
Size Wood types Mite screen bottom board Size The size of the our hives is based on several considerations. The first is to make it manageable for the beginning bee guardian. A LangstrAll about swarming
...ves! And if you would like to capture your hive’s swarms look into purchasing a swarm trap which is sold by beekeeping supply companies. You can then put these swarms into a new hive. Good luc...What about wintering in these hives?
A. Here in Colorado we experience very cold winters. Most of the content in this article is directed toward those who live in cold winter climates. Insulating the beehive and keeping a full hivHow can I remove bees from old tires?
...um the bees out and save the colony. You can then put the bees into an empty BackyardHive and you can start beekeeping with this colony. Or, call your local beekeeping association and give the hive...
