Full Size Top Bar Hive with Window - Beehive Beekeeping

Here i have for sale one full size Top Bar Hive with a side observation window.   Includes 24 top bars, one closer board, legs and roof.

It has a 25 bar capacity - the size of the hive can be reduced by using the closer board so that the colony can better control their hive environment, the closer board is moved back and more top bars are added as the colony gets bigger.  The top bars are the same size as those used in my Nucleus Top Bar Hive - so a swarm caught in a top bar nucleus can be transferred, comb and all, into the full size hive. 

The hive is constructed from 20mm thick solid pine, some 12mm exterior plywood is used for the roof, and coated screws are used all over - so it will last many years! 

Approximate dimensions (including lid): 

• Width (front face) 50cm
• Length (front to back) 100cm
• Depth (height) 40cm
• including the legs it is about a metre of the floor, so is a good working height

The top bars each measure 35mm wide by 17 (43cm) inches long, this width of bar is perfect for the bees to build comb and allows for bee space between combs.  There is a triangular wooden guide strip to encourage the bees to build straight comb in the same orientation as the bars, the first five bars have wax starter strips on them to ensure that the bees build their comb in the correct orientation.  The triangular shape is good because it provides a strong shape for comb attachment. 

The top bars are held in place by a retaining strip on each side to prevent top bars slipping if the hive is moved.  The legs are bolted onto the hive in such a way that they can be removed (even when the hive is full of bees) so if the hive needs to be moved then it is possible. 

There is an open mesh floor at the bottom of the hive covering a width of 15cm the length of the hive.  This is to keep varroa numbers down and to allow good ventilation.  There are three 20mm entrance holes at the end of the hive, use old wine corks to reduce the number of entrances. 

The insulated side widow allows you to check on your bees progress without opening the hive; it is also great for showing kids and friends whats inside the hive!

The hive is supplied untreated.  To protect the outside of the hive I recomend a natural preservative mixture of linseed oil and pure beeswax, a 250ml bottle of which can be purchased for aditional £5.  This is a natural mixture designed to be non-toxic to bees, however the hive can also be painted for aesthetic reasons or treated with any other preservative of your choice. 

Note: It is important that when setting up your hive that it is level (use a spirit level); this helps ensure that the bees build straight comb (as the bees will always build comb hanging vertical).

I can also supply you with a swarm lure for an additional £5.  The lure contains pheremones which helps to entice passing swarms during swarm season. 

Any questions please feel free to email me, i am more than happy to help;  Local buyers are welcome to pick up;  Item will be dispatched within two working days of receiving cleared payment;  Thanks for looking, happy bidding!!

Please note: If you order any of my other items when you order the hive you will get a good postage discount on the other items because they can be packed inside the hive.  Please request a payment total if you want to receive postage discounts.  Thanks,