The Thinking Beekeeper - A Guide to Natural Beekeeping in Top Bar Hives
The first book of the series, The Thinking Beekeeper is the definitive do-it-yourself guide to natural beekeeping in top bar hives. Based on having an understanding of and working with bees' natural systems as opposed to trying to subvert them, the advantages of this approach include:
- simplicity and sustainability
- better ergonomics due to less heavy lifting
- chemical-free colonies and natural beeswax
The book has many photos and detailed diagrams of hive management steps throughout the season, as well as a blank master diagram for you to copy and use to record your hive's progress.
Kind words we've heard about The Thinking Beekeeper:
Kim Flottum, Editor of Bee Culture magazine, says:
"... you'll find information you need here that's not available anywhere else. Both you and your bees will benefit from Christy's approach, advice, and philosophy."
Michael Bush (of bushfarms.com) comments:
"Until very recently there has been a dearth of books specific to top bar beekeeping and to natural beekeeping.
If you have an interest in either or both, this is a book you will enjoy. Christy has named it well. It is a thoughtful book that gives you more than just a formula. Real beekeeping is an art and art requires thinking and understanding and judgement rather than rules and time tables. In the end, of course, this is acquired through experience but Christy lays a good groundwork of understanding while at the same time giving detailed practical advice.
It is clear that she has much experience at answering beginner's questions as she anticipated them so well. I love her concise, efficient, yet eloquent use of language and logic. A very useful book that, because of her style, is also very pleasant to read."
