Top Bar Hive
A hive inspection during my top bar class a Ecoversity, Santa Fe NM
A top bar comb full of Bees
At home after the class making my own hive. Note the 120 degree angled cuts on the base board to allow the side boards to fit snug against it. Then sanding the box before appling linseed oil to the outside only, you can use paint if you wish.
A sturdy rack is needed to elevate the boxes for human comfort and reduce insect invasion. The 2 by 2 top bars are suspended across the box (see 4th photo)
On the front board note the landing area, a one by two with the entrance above it. Then just below the lid note the handle for lifting.
2X2 inch top bar showing underside with the hardboard in the slot for the comb to be built upon.
Fresh running water is prefered, but a water supply of some kind is a must, especially in the hot, dry conditions of my locality.
More info and a construction diagram of the Top Bar hive is pending