The honeybee is not too fussy about where it makes its home as long as it is of a suitable capacity and reasonably weather proof, similar to its natural nesting site of a hollow tree. However if the bees are to be 'managed', the combs need to be removeable to be inspected.
Consequently beehives come in a myriad of designs. The most popular are the moveable frame box hive and the horizontal top bar hive.
The moveable frame box hive uses wax foundation and wooden frames to support the comb. The most common of this sort in the U.K. is the single walled Modified British National, more often known just as a National. There are many other similar designs available, the WBC, the Dadant, the Langstroth etc. The capacity of the hive is adjusted vertically by adding or removing tiered boxes. It is well designed for the economics of large scale beekeeping and honey production.
The horizontal top bar hive, as the name suggests, only uses the top bar without the frame or wax foundation to support the comb. The bees 'do their own thing' and build combs onto the top bars which allow their removal for inspection. The most common types are the Kenyan and the Tanzanian. The capacity of the hive is adjusted by using a moveable false wall inside the hive. It was originally designed as a low-tech, low-cost method of beekeeping but it also allows the bees to construct a more natural nest environment.
Before keeping bees, make sure you know what you're doing. Book a beekeeping course.
INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING COURSE
*ONLINE OR BY POST*
You'll receive 12 monthly articles detailing all the techniques needed to care for your own bees. Covers the life cycle and biology of the honeybee, disease recognition and integrated pest management, swarm control and queen bee rearing. Richly illustrated with photographs, you will be taken step by step through the bee keeping year. I can send the articles by email or post to you or someone else. I can also send the articles weekly if you prefer, ideal for winter study. Includes on-line support.
ADOPT A BEE HIVE
