To install a bee colony in a top bar hive, you must carefully manage the hive's internal volume. The procedure involves restricting the colony to one end of the hive using follower boards, limiting their access to only 8 to 12 bars initially. You must ensure only one entrance is open within this active zone and provide immediate sugar syrup feeding to stimulate comb construction.
Core Takeaway New colonies in top bar hives are prone to "absconding," or abandoning the hive, if the space feels too large or resources are scarce. Success depends on artificially confining the bees to a small, manageable area to simulate a natural hollow and feeding them immediately to anchor the colony.
Preparing the Hive Environment
Restricting the Internal Space
Before introducing the bees, you must configure the hive to prevent the colony from feeling overwhelmed. Use follower boards (dividers) to block off the majority of the hive cavity.
Position the follower board to allow access to only 8 to 12 top bars at one end of the hive. This creates a cozy, defendable space that mimics a natural tree hollow, encouraging the bees to stay.
Managing Entrances
Top bar hives often have multiple entrance holes running the length of the body. It is critical that you close all entrances except for one.
The single open entrance must be located within the section you just created with the follower boards. This helps the colony guard their new home and regulate internal temperature more effectively.
Introducing the Colony
Creating Access for Installation
To physically place the bees inside, unseal the hive cover and remove 5 to 6 top bars from the active section.
This creates a large opening in the top of the hive body, allowing you to pour or shake the bees in without obstruction.
Transferring the Bees
If you are installing a swarm or a package, the bees are simply tipped, poured, or brushed from their collection bin into the open cavity.
If possible, perform this step at dusk when bee flight has subsided. This reduces the number of bees flying off and encourages them to settle into the hive for the night.
Resealing the Hive
Once the bulk of the bees are inside the cavity, carefully replace the top bars you removed. Ensure the bars are pushed together tightly to prevent light leaks or drafts, which can distress the colony.
Establishing the Colony
Immediate Feeding is Mandatory
Because a new top bar hive contains no drawn comb (wax) for food storage or egg-laying, the bees have an urgent need for energy. You must place a feeder with sugar syrup inside the hive immediately.
The primary reference suggests a standard syrup mix helps stimulate the bees' wax glands. This energy source allows them to "comb out" the hive rapidly, establishing the infrastructure the queen needs to lay eggs.
Understanding the Trade-offs
The Risk of Absconding
A major pitfall with new top bar hives is the lack of "bee smell" or existing comb. This sterile environment creates a high risk of absconding.
If the space is too large, too drafty, or lacks food, the bees may decide the cavity is unsuitable and leave entirely. This is why the use of follower boards and syrup is not optional—it is a survival mechanism.
Handling Nucleus Colonies
While swarms and packages are poured in, be cautious if your source is a "nucleus colony" (nuc). Standard nuc frames often do not fit top bar hives.
Unless you have a specific top bar nuc with compatible bars, you cannot simply transfer frames as described for traditional vertical hives. For top bar hives, loose bees (swarms or packages) are generally the most straightforward method of installation.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
- If your primary focus is colony retention: Prioritize the use of follower boards to restrict space to exactly 8-12 bars; a smaller space feels safer to the bees.
- If your primary focus is rapid comb building: Ensure the sugar syrup feeder is full and accessible immediately upon installation; wax production requires massive caloric intake.
By restricting the space and providing immediate nutrition, you transform a sterile wooden box into a secure, inviting home that the bees will accept and defend.
Summary Table:
| Step | Action | Key Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Space Management | Use follower boards to restrict space to 8-12 bars | Prevents absconding by creating a cozy, defensible area |
| Entrance Control | Open only one entrance in the active zone | Helps bees regulate temperature and guard the hive |
| Bee Introduction | Pour/shake bees through gap of 5-6 removed bars | Ensures bulk of colony is safely housed in the cavity |
| Feeding | Provide immediate sugar syrup | Stimulates wax glands for rapid comb construction |
| Timing | Perform installation at dusk | Minimizes flight loss and helps bees settle overnight |
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