Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => TOP BAR HIVES - WARRE HIVES - LONG HIVES => Topic started by: Dagar on July 12, 2013, 12:24:49 am

Title: Slow bees
Post by: Dagar on July 12, 2013, 12:24:49 am

This is my  first year with a top bar hive....even with the first few weeks here in Michigan with a terribly cool spring the bees were quit busy building the hive. I fed them all they needed for 6 weeks. It's now mid July, summer is here and the bees are all visible through my inspection window. I noticed they seem to be moving very slowly, not active as in the first few weeks. They have only built 8 bars of combs......anybody have any advise? :?

Title: Re: Slow bees
Post by: Joe D on July 12, 2013, 01:04:58 am

When I started my TBH it was with a swarm.  The bars are 19 1/4"they build down 10 to 11" and are about 7" across the bottom.  The first year they only built 8 or 9 combs of that size.  They did have them full of honey and brood.  Maybe someone closer to you can give you an answer that will help more.  Good luck to you and your bees




Joe