Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[WalvoordA]

Hello, I am looking for a video if one exists on how to attach a comb to a top bar by sewing it on as described in The Barefoot Beekeekper. I am a new beekeeper and put a package of bees into a top bar hive last wednesday. Yesterday I checked to see if the queen was out and found the small comb I attached with a sling came right off when I removed the cage that was next to it. The bees had attached the cage to the comb with wax but it all came off together. I also took off a couple small cross combs the bees made. I would like to give them the combs back, but secure them better. Thought I might give sewing the comb a try, but would like to see how thats done. I don't know any beekeepers in my area with top bar hives to see how they do it. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks, Anna

[Barbara]

Hi Anna

Apologies if you have been looking at a load of blank replies from me. I've been having problems posting my reply.

Hopefully I now know where I have been going wrong and this will work.

There are two options that I can suggest rather than try stitching which I think will be fiddly and I have not seen a video of.

You tube is the place to look and I can recommend "outofabluesky" who uses ladies hair clips and a recent one posted by a member of this forum, Patrick Thomas which is linked below and used wire mesh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33d4e3LkOaI

You may also want to think about improving the comb guides on your top bars if they are cross combing at this early stage. Unfortunately the waxed saw cut is not proving as reliable as other techniques and most people have better success with half dowel or triangular profile wooden mouldings or some sort of guild that provides a distinct ridge. Sometimes moving the orientation of the hive to align with the preferred comb direction chosen by the bees can also help as they are believed to be susceptible to the polarity of the earth.

Good luck with getting them sorted out.

Regards

Barbara