Hey Bee Buddies! ✨ Today, let’s buzz about something exciting: Vertical Top Bar Hives!

Imagine a hive that’s not just a home but a haven for our buzzing friends. Let’s dive in!

After a deep dive into resources like David Heaf’s modified Warre’ Hive, Ian Rumsey’s Simple Beehive and Beekeeping, and Phil Chandler’s Biobees site, I couldn’t help but wonder: Could a vertical top bar hive be the bee’s knees of natural comb hives?

The shape and orientation mimic the tree cavities bees love, and its modular design brings more flexibility than a fixed-sized, horizontal top bar hive. While I haven’t danced with these hives yet, let me share my musings.

The Perks

A vertical hive flaunts some cool perks over its horizontal cousin:

• Better fit to a tree cavity’s shape and orientation.
• Dynamic volume adjustments with modular design.
• Faster handling of boxes over combs.
• Smaller footprint for easy moving.
• Easier hive disassembly and lighter lifting.
• Better-protected comb.
• No restrictions from top bar limitations.
• No need for level hives during comb drawing.
• Reduced hive manipulations (twice a year).
• Easily paraffin-dipped for extra care.
• Facilitates comb rotation.
• Moved with a hand cart.
• Optimal material use per hive volume.

In a horizontal top bar hive, internal access is through top bars, making fragile combs removable. Starter strips are used to keep combs centered. In a vertical top bar hive, with minimal management, comb orientation is irrelevant, and boxes are separated for access. Let the bees build it their way!

The Downsides

However, there are a few cons to consider:

• Requires additional storage space.
• Heavier boxes than lifting combs.
• More disruptive comb removal.
• Taller, top-heavy, narrow, and tippy hives.
• Hives may break open when tipped.
• Boxes must be lifted for most manipulations.
• Bottom supering.
• Requires conventional building material.
• Takes longer to work.
• Not compatible with standard beekeeping equipment.

Some Big “Ifs”

Lots of “ifs” here:

• Does a vertical orientation have a biological advantage?
• Will bees build a broodnest core in an empty box at the bottom?
• Can the hive be managed with minimal interference?
• Is it economically worth building vertical boxes versus buying lang deeps?

Finding the Right Fit

Managing vertical top bar hives like Ian’s Simple Beehive might make natural beekeeping a breeze. Whole hive sections are handled, keeping comb attachments intact and protecting combs. Yet, finding the right fit depends on factors like box height, bee type, local resources, and climate.

Conservative bees in a less yielding environment might require more experimenting. Bottom supering could lead to bees happily living at the top, and comb work might need adjusting to accommodate different bee behaviors.

Box Separation Technique

To address comb attachment issues, a thin cutoff wire can be slowly run between boxes. This should be done carefully, allowing any bees to escape, and boxes can be tipped and rotated for gentle comb removal.

Legal Buzz

The removable comb in vertical top bar hives makes them legal in the USA, enabling required comb inspections.

The Ultimate Hive Dream

Picture this: a hive with minimal beekeeper interference, easy management, simple modular construction, and optimal material usage. That’s the dream of the ultimate vertical hive.

Examples and Updates

Most vertical top bar hives are Warres, but a variety of designs are surfacing. The internet offers a visual feast of examples, and my own design is in the mix. Some beekeepers even convert foundation-based frames into natural comb frames.

Update

Unlike when this article was written, Warre-type hive information is now widespread on the internet. A simple image search reveals a diverse array of examples.

Bee well and keep buzzing! ✨

-Cheers, D 🐝🤠