Comb

-Top Tips for Top Bar Hive Comb Management.

Hey there! 🌼✨ So, you’re diving into the fascinating world of managing comb in top bar hives, huh? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to explore the beekeeping game with a touch of flair.

Let’s Talk Comb

Bee nests, a bit like natural chaos, have their own method. Not all comb is going to be flawless – it won’t always be straight, centered, or burr-free. If you take a closer look, you’ll see that in the bee world, function is the boss of form.

Comb Couture: Trimming and Tweaking

Trimming comb is the go-to move for keeping things in check. But watch out for horizontal cuts in new or heavy comb – disaster alert! Start with the vertical cut and smoothly transition into the horizontal without any sharp corners.

Think of comb corrections as a comb makeover. Decide whether to cut or correct based on the comb’s condition. Unworkable? Chop it. Just a bit off? Rotate it into honey storage and fix it later. Trying to salvage a comb? Assess the risk.

I’ve had my fair share of comb corrections. Bend and squish the curved parts back into place, and voila – the bees rebuild straighter comb. But remember, bees had a reason for that curve, so it might take a few tries.

The Scoop on Straight Comb

Need straight comb? Rotate an empty top bar between broodnest combs. It’s like a delicate dance – too fast, and you’ll end up with drone comb sheets or cross comb chaos. Moving the broodnest and sneaking in empty top bars also works, but do it slow or face the consequences!

Comb Spacing and Thickness Tactics

Bees are masters of comb spacing. Broodnest comb near the entrance is spaced differently than the ones at the back. If things get messy, insert spacers or wider top bars. Early and frequent changes are the comb correction mantra.

Thickness matters too. As winter approaches, bees thicken combs with wax scavenged from one and spread the love to others. Keep an eye on bulging combs – cut the excess with a serrated knife if it’s a keeper or move it to honey storage if it’s marginal.

Comb Rotation Rendezvous

Bees live, die, and scavenge their way through life. Natural processes are great, but for us beekeepers, it’s a tad inconvenient. Comb rotation is our hack for a healthier hive without the wait.

Few Combs Fandango

Rotate a few combs each year. Insert empty top bars, shift old brood combs to honey storage, and enjoy some advantages. Less disturbance, efficient comb use, and fewer corrections. But watch out for contamination and the lack of a brood rearing break.

Entire Broodnest Extravaganza

For a full reset, shake the bees into a new hive and let them start fresh. No contamination carry-over, revitalized equipment, and a cleansing effect on the bees. Downsides? Disruption, extra equipment, and frequent comb corrections initially.

I used to be a few combs kind of beekeeper, but now I’m all about the entire broodnest switcheroo. ✨

-Happy beekeeping, D 🐝🤠