A follower board acts as a movable internal wall within a top bar hive. Its primary function is to manually adjust the volume of the hive cavity to match the current size of the colony, ensuring the bees are not overwhelmed by excess space.
In a single-box top bar system, space management is critical for colony health. The follower board allows you to expand the hive horizontally as the colony grows, helping bees regulate temperature and defend their resources effectively.
The Mechanics of Horizontal Management
Adapting to the Single-Box Design
Unlike vertical hives that expand by adding boxes, a top bar hive is a longitudinal design. The total capacity is fixed within a single long box.
Controlling Internal Volume
The follower board serves as a moveable partition within this fixed cavity. It allows the beekeeper to dictate exactly how much of that total length the bees can access at any given time.
Critical Functions of the Follower Board
Supporting Small Colonies
When installing a package of bees or catching a swarm, the full volume of the hive is often too large for them to manage. A follower board is placed close to the entrance to reduce the hive's volume.
This smaller space helps the colony maintain the necessary heat for brood rearing. It also makes it easier for a small workforce to defend their space against pests and robbers.
Facilitating Colony Expansion
As the colony grows and fills the available comb, the beekeeper must intervene. You simply move the follower board further down the hive body to provide more space.
This process mimics the natural expansion of a nest, encouraging the bees to build new comb on the newly exposed top bars.
Creating Functional Zones
Beyond simple expansion, the follower board can create separate compartments. It is frequently used to separate the main living area from a feeding section.
By placing a feeder behind the board (provided there is a gap or hole for access), you can feed the bees without disturbing the brood nest.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The Risk of "False Bottoms"
Bees will attempt to utilize any space they can access. If the follower board does not fit the hive body tightly, bees may squeeze past it.
This often leads to bees building comb in the "empty" section behind the board, which defeats the purpose of the partition and complicates inspections.
Mismanaging Expansion Timing
Moving the board too quickly can cool the hive and stress the colony. Moving it too slowly can cause congestion, potentially triggering a swarm.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When managing a top bar hive, the follower board is your primary tool for controlling colony growth.
- If your primary focus is establishing a new colony: Keep the follower board close to the entrance to conserve heat and bolster defense.
- If your primary focus is preventing swarming: Inspect frequently and move the board to open 2-3 empty bars of space as soon as the current combs are full.
- If your primary focus is supplemental feeding: Use the follower board to partition off a dedicated feeder zone, keeping syrup or fondant away from the main cluster.
By treating the follower board as a dynamic tool rather than a static component, you ensure your hive mimics the natural spatial constraints bees require for optimal health.
Summary Table:
| Function | Primary Benefit | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Space Management | Adjusts hive volume to match colony size | Move 2-3 bars at a time as colony grows |
| Thermal Regulation | Helps small colonies maintain brood heat | Keep board tight to entrance for new swarms |
| Pest Defense | Reduces area for small workforces to guard | Ensure a snug fit to prevent 'false bottoms' |
| Feeding Zone | Separates feeder from the main brood nest | Provide a small gap/hole for bee access |
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