Beekeeping, or apiculture, is an ancient practice that has gained significant traction in Kenya due to its economic, environmental, and health benefits. With a rich biodiversity and favorable climate, Kenya is home to various beekeeping methods, each employing different types of hives. This post talks about the various types of bee hives found in Kenya, their construction, advantages, disadvantages, and the contexts in which they are best utilized.
1. Langstroth Hives
This beehive is based of the discovery of Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth. Langstroth invented a hive with frames separated from each other, in which the bees could build their comb. The frames are so arranged that they can be removed individually without disturbing other combs and without crushing bees
Also that the queen can be confined to the lowest brood, chamber, by means of a queen excluder. In this way, the upper chambers (called supers) can be reached only by the workers, and therefore contain only honey-comb.
These hives comprises stackable boxes, known as supers, which can be easily added or removed. This design accommodates the natural growth of the colony and allows for efficient honey harvesting.
Advantages
- The comb is fixed firmly to the four sides of the frame. This facilitates easy harvesting, and the beekeeper has little fear of damaging the comb. Wire also runs through the frame and adds additional support
- The strength of the built-in comb also allows easy transportation, even over bad roads. It also affords easy control of a colony of bees without fear of breakage before the arrival at the new destination.
- A swarm of bees can be hived with ease. Bees can easily pass through the numerous spaces between the frame and at the top of the hive.
- Hive boxes can be stacked easily. This makes it easy to expand and contract the hive to meet the needs of the bee colony.
Disadvantages
- A frame hive with two supers costs three times as much as a Kenyan 27-top-bar hive. Price range of Standard KTBH is 3000-3500. A Langstroth beehive costs 4000 upwards.
- The need to keep a stock of frames to replace those removed during the honey harvest creates an additional cost. If not replaced soon thereafter.
- Higher capital inputs due to required equipment to harvest honey this includes, centrifugal honey extractors, decapping-knives, decapping trays and other sophisticated equipment cannot be ruled out.
- Â Requires more ongoing maintenance and management skills.
- Â Must be protected from extreme weather conditions to ensure colony health.
2. Traditional Hives
Traditional hives have been used by Kenyan beekeepers for centuries. These hives are typically constructed from locally available materials and reflect the cultural practices of different communities. They represent a time-honored approach to beekeeping, often constructed using natural materials and simple designs that have been used for centuries. These hives are typically designed to mimic the natural nesting sites of bees, providing a functional and aesthetic option for beekeepers who value heritage methods and sustainability.
These are made from local materials such as hollowed-out logs, bark formed into a cylinder, clay pots, woven grass or cane – whatever is suitable and available. The sole purpose of the hive is to encourage bees to nest in a place accessible to the beekeeper. The bees build their nest inside the hive, just as they would build it in a natural cavity. The beekeeper plunders the nest to obtain crops of honey and beeswax.
Bees may or may not be killed during this process, depending on the skill of the beekeeper. If the colony is destroyed, the hive will remain empty for a while. If there are plenty of honeybee colonies in the area, a swarm may eventually settle in the empty hive and start building a new nest. Traditional beekeepers often own many hives and expect only a portion to be occupied by bees at any one time.
Types of Traditional Hives
- Log Hives: Hollowed-out tree trunks serve as log hives. They are simple and can be made from various wood types.
- Bee Gum Hives: Made from natural bee gums or wild honeycombs, these hives mimic the bees’ natural habitat.
- Basket Hives: Often woven from grass or reeds, these hives are lightweight and portable.
Advantages
- Sustainable Practices: Traditional hives often emphasize eco-friendly construction and management practices, appealing to beekeepers focused on sustainability.
- Cost-Effective: Many traditional hives can be built with locally sourced or recycled materials, making them a budget-friendly option for aspiring beekeepers.
- Connection to Heritage: Using a traditional hive can foster a deeper connection to the history and culture of beekeeping, appealing to those who value artisanal methods.
- Minimal Disruption: The fixed comb structure allows for a less invasive approach to hive management, which can reduce stress on bee colonies.
Disadvantages
- Low yield: Often less productive compared to modern hives.
- Vulnerability to pests: Traditional hives can be more susceptible to pests and diseases.
- Limited management options: Difficult to inspect and manage colonies effectively.
3. Kenyan Top-Bar Hives
Top-bar hives are an alternative modern beekeeping system that combines aspects of traditional and contemporary practices. They are designed to allow bees to build combs naturally.
The Top Bar Hive is an innovative beekeeping system that emphasizes natural beekeeping practices and allows bees to build their own comb in a more intuitive manner. This design is particularly popular among sustainable and hobbyist beekeepers, as it promotes healthier bee colonies and facilitates easy management without the heavy lifting associated with traditional hives.
Unlike traditional vertical hives, the Top Bar Hive features a horizontal structure that allows bees to build their comb naturally. This design minimizes stress on the bees and promotes healthier colonies. Many Top Bar Hives are designed with insulation to protect bees from extreme temperatures, creating a stable environment conducive to colony health and productivity.
Advantages
- Promotes Bee Health: By allowing bees to construct their own comb, the hive supports natural behaviors that can lead to stronger, more resilient colonies.
- User-Friendly: Ideal for beginner and experienced beekeepers alike, the Top Bar Hive is easy to manage, with fewer components than traditional hives.
- Sustainable Beekeeping: This design is particularly favored by those practicing organic or sustainable beekeeping methods, as it encourages minimal intervention and respects bee autonomy.
- Increased Honey Quality: By allowing bees to build their comb naturally, honey produced in a Top Bar Hive is often of higher quality, with unique flavors and textures.
In conclusion, choosing the right type of bee hives is essential for both the health of your bees and the success of your beekeeping journey. Whether you opt for the innovative Langstroth hive, the natural design of the Top Bar hive, or the time-honored Traditional hive, each type offers unique benefits tailored to your specific needs.
At Urban BeeKeepers, we provide a variety of high-quality beehives to suit every beekeeper, from beginners to seasoned pros. Explore our selection and take the next step in your beekeeping adventure, all while supporting sustainable practices that benefit both your local ecosystem and the thriving bee population. Start your journey today with Urban BeeKeepers!
