Questions about Long Lang Hives

[Shedinator]

I think we've finally settled on building a Long Langstroth for our bees as a compromise between the benefits of Langs and TBH - and by settled I mean bought the lumber to build a plan I found, and am excited to get it out there and get my nuc ordered.

I'm left with a few questions, though, and hoping more experienced beekeepers will be able to shed some light on them:

- I've read conflicting opinions on whether long langs are as good as traditional lanngstroth when it comes to honey production. Some articles say they're just as good, some say more productive, some say significantly less productive. Is there any data to show which of these is true, or is it all pretty much anecdotal? We're not in this solely for the honey, but we definitely want to get honey!

- Do people usually add supers to their LLHs, or just harvest frames and replace them with empty ones? I've seen pictures of supers on top of a long hive, which seems like it would defeat the purpose of having a horizontal setup, but I'm wondering if I'm missing something.

- Would alternating empty top bars and frames with foundations cut back on the cross-comb problem I've read TBH owners talking about, or do you really have to just go with one or the other and accept the consequences of that choice?

Thanks! Looking forward to learning.

 

[Anna j]

I’m sorry you haven’t received much help here. I’ve been on this site only since January and have found my local beekeepers meetings to be much More helpful than here. I’ve posted a link to a Connecticut one that may be able to help you out. They are at least for your area and you may be able to contact them to find out information that pertains to you and not just anywhere. I’ve found that location has a bit to do with what your bees do and how they act or live. I hope you find what your looking for!
http://backyardbeekeepers.com/wp/

 

[Beekissed]

I've had those same questions in the past. I've got a long Lang I built up on the hill right now that's sitting empty, awaiting for the time I can get into filling it with a hive.

Here's the best beek forum for asking those questions and I've found the best person on there to ask is Michael Bush~ https://www.beesource.com/forums/

Here's Mr. Bush's website as well...a very helpful, very knowledgeable man about both types of hives and all things to do with bees.

http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm