What type of hive will suit us best,this decision depends on factors that vary among beekeepers. To help you make the right choice for you and your farm, here are two hive options to consider.
1. Langstroth Beehive
When most people think of a beehive, they see in their mind’s eye a Langstroth. This is the granddaddy of beehives having been invented, reasonably enough, by a Rev. LL Langstroth in 1852.
Although the design has changed somewhat over the years, the basic approach is of a modular, expandable beehive that allows easy access for the beekeeper. The key innovation was the use of convenient vertically hanging frames, on which bees build their comb.
Advantages
Most common system and considered the universal beekeeping standard
Most “old-school” beekeepers and commercial beekeepers in the US use it
Supplies and support are easy to find
Disadvantages
Bulky, end up storing extra parts elsewhere
Heavy, each frame can weigh around 60 pounds
Artificial cell size may contribute to health issues
Have to smoke bees to calm them enough to work with them
More disruptive to hive to work with them
2. Top Bar Hive
The Top Bar Hive, which you will often see referenced as a “TBH”, is a quite different design to that of the Langstroth and
Warre. A more recent design, relatively, the Top Bar is the most comfortable of designs for the beekeeper, presenting the bees at a convenient height. There are no heavy, honey-laden boxes to lift, just individual frames of comb.
Advantatges
Allows the bees to make natural cell sizes
Light and easy to work with
Less disruptive to bees, you don’t need smoke or full bee suit
Can be worked more easily by people with disabilities
Disadvantages
Bees can die in cold winters
Combs can break off or form improperly
May not have local support for this type of beekeeping
Can have poor ventilation or other problems if not built properly
