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If you are reading this, I'm going to make some predictions:
If this is you and you are thinking about beekeeping, I know the absolute best way for you to keep a few hives. Top bar beekeeping. There are a lot of advantages of top bar hives for small-scale stationary beekeeping, but the biggest one -- by far -- is cost
Basically, with top bar equipment, you start with less than $400 in costs. With traditional equipment, your start-up costs are over $1000. Yes, you don't need three hives, but it is about the right number. For a single hive, you would be into it for about $250 in top bar hives, and $700 for langstroth equipment. The top bar hives we use today were "rediscovered" technology that was intended to make beekeeping simple and affordable for folks in third world countries. You can build them out of all kinds of materials and a variety of shapes and sizes. You don't need a lot of tools to to manipulate the hives. Mechanized honey extraction is impossible. You crush your comb and strain out the wax. The only downside of top bar beekeeping is reduced honey production. However, if you are reading this, maximizing honey production isn't likely your primary concern. Nobody knows how much less the production is, but you will make plenty of delicious honey in a top bar hive. You probably want some resources on top bar beekeeping. First the hive design. I looked at a lot of designs and the Bush Farm design is the easiest. Click Here You probably want a book, so check out the Barefoot Beekeeper. Click here You have to read Dennis Murrell (trust me). Click here And to get information from me. Click here |
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