By m Green Urban Living
Introduction
This e -book is an introduction for anyone considering keeping bees in their backyard, particularly in a
Top Bar hive. The scope of the information within this book does not cover the vast amount of
information and skill necessary to keep bees successfully. It is hoped and recommended that you do
further reading. However it serves to give you a good starting point and reference.
Top Bar beekeeping is a relatively new way of keeping bees in New Zealand but it is not difficult,
expensive or time-consuming. Please don’t be put off by negative comments from bee keepers who
keep bees in a different system. Bees require less time than a dog but perhaps slightly more care than a
cat. In late Spring through to Autumn expect to visit your bees every 15-20 days to add new top bars
and to harvest honey. With practice most Summer hive visits take only 10-20 minutes. Winter is a quiet
time with only the occasional peak through the observation window necessary.