Episode 160 – Alternative Hive Types: Top Bar, Horizontal, and Warre Explained 🐝📦
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Episode 160 – Alternative Hive Types: Top Bar, Horizontal, and Warre Explained 🐝📦

43:11 Jul 4, 2025
About this episode
In this episode, we take a closer look at some of the most common alternatives to the Langstroth hive, including Top Bar, Horizontal (Long Langstroth and Layens), and Warre hives. Each of these styles offers something different, from lower lifting demands to more natural comb construction. We cover how they work, who they’re best suited for, and what you need to consider before making a change — including frame support, extraction limitations, and realistic tradeoffs. This episode also includes a listener mention of how horizontal hives can provide better accessibility for disabled beekeepers.What’s Inside This Episode:Why Langstroth remains the default hive for most beekeepersKey features of Top Bar hivesThe difference between Long Langstroth and Layens hivesPros and cons of horizontal hives for backyard beekeepersWarre hive historyAccessibility considerations and why style choice should reflect your goalsMore Info:🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com📘 Read our articles: bestbeekeepinggear.com🎥 YouTube channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees💬 Join the Discord: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ☕ Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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