Modified Top Bar Hive Keeps Bees Healthier

Modified Top Bar Hive Keeps Bees Healthier LIVESTOCK Miscellaneous Manzer Apiary beehives include a special vented bottom board to control in-hive humidity and keep bees healthy “The ventilation system controls condensation which is the big killer of bees ” explains Shayna Wagner Manzer Apiary “Our beehives have a window on the back of the hive where condensation can be seen The beekeeper just opens a hole in the bottom or one of 3 holes at the top to increase ventilation ” Brian Manzer began work with his brother-in-law on improving the traditional top bar beehive when his brother Owen was having problems with death loss in his hives In the 6 years since trying the new design he hasn’t lost a single hive due to condensation notes Wagner Manzer has been selling the beehives to small beekeepers in eastern Canada and the U S “Most of our customers are small beekeepers buying 1 or 2 hives ” says Wagner Manzer beehive bodies come fully assembled Features include an insulated metal covered lid inspection window with cover screened bottom vent system and covers upper sliding vent system and chain support for the lid Other features include an inside open feeder sugar cake holder top bars landing board with sliding gate and legs The company also offers spring workshops for beginning beekeepers and a fall workshop for those who have one or more hives The 3-hour session workshops are priced at $50 per person or $75 for a couple with a $25 credit toward a future Manzer beehive “We had 2 spring workshops and one in the fall with about 14 attendees at each ” says Wagner “We already have names on lists for spring and fall workshops in 2018 ” The beehives sell for $485 Canadian Manzer Apiary also sells bees and other common supplies for keeping bees This includes a food-grade extractor to press the honey out of the top bar honeycomb It is priced at $50 Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Manzer Apiary Inc P O Box 1115 35 Industrial Dr Digby N S Canada B0V 1A0 ph 902 245-1052; manzerapiary@gmail com; www manzerapiary com

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