The post-installation process follows a strict timeline centered on queen acceptance and resource management. Immediately following installation, you must verify the colony is clustering around the queen within three hours, ensure her release within three to five days, and maintain a continuous feeding schedule until the colony has established a specific amount of honeycomb.
Successful establishment relies on balancing observation with minimal disturbance. You must intervene only to ensure the queen is released and to keep the feeder full until the bees have drawn comb on at least 10 top bars.
The Immediate Post-Install Phase
The Three-Hour Check
Approximately three hours after installing the package, you must briefly inspect the hive. Your goal is to verify that the worker bees are clustering around the queen cage. This behavior indicates they know where she is and are caring for her.
Securing the Hive
Once you have confirmed the bees are clustering properly, close the hive immediately. It is critical that you leave the hive undisturbed for the next few days. Excessive checking during this fragile period can stress the colony.
The Critical 3-to-5 Day Inspection
Verifying Queen Release
After 3 to 5 days have passed, open the hive to check the queen cage. You are looking to see if the candy plug has been eaten through and the queen has exited the cage.
Removing the Hardware
If the queen has emerged successfully, remove the empty cage from the hive. Leaving it inside serves no purpose and can interfere with comb building.
Manual Release Protocol
If the queen is still inside the cage after five days, you must intervene. Manually release her by carefully opening the cork at the non-candy end of the cage. Allow her to walk out onto a top bar or into the cluster of bees.
Long-Term Stabilization and Feeding
The Feeding Objective
You must continue to feed the colony sugar syrup or your chosen feed consistently. Do not stop feeding until the bees have drawn honeycomb on at least 10 top bars.
Building Momentum
Drawing comb requires immense energy and resources. Providing steady food ensures the bees can focus on building the nursery and storage area without needing to forage excessively during their establishment phase.
Understanding Common Pitfalls
The Risk of Absconding
New colonies installed in top bar hives are prone to absconding, or abandoning the hive entirely. This is particularly common in "new" hives that have not been inhabited by bees before, as they lack the scent of a lived-in colony. Minimizing disturbance after the initial 3-hour check helps mitigate this risk.
Winter Starvation Risks
While less immediate, be aware that the linear layout of a top bar hive creates unique winter risks. Bees may starve even with food present if the cluster separates from the honey stores. This often happens if the bees move to one end of the hive while honey remains at the other, becoming inaccessible in cold temperatures.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To ensure your top bar hive thrives, prioritize your actions based on the colony's immediate needs:
- If your primary focus is Colony Establishment: Maintain a strict feeding regimen until 10 bars of comb are fully drawn to anchor the bees to the hive.
- If your primary focus is Queen Survival: Check the cage strictly between day 3 and 5 to prevent her from being trapped too long or released too early.
Consistency in the first week determines the longevity of the colony.
Summary Table:
| Timeframe | Key Action | Primary Objective |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Hours Post-Install | Cluster Inspection | Confirm workers are attending to the queen cage |
| Days 3 - 5 | Queen Cage Check | Verify queen release; perform manual release if necessary |
| Ongoing (Initial) | Continuous Feeding | Provide syrup until 10 top bars are drawn with comb |
| Established | Minimal Disturbance | Prevent absconding by reducing hive openings |
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