In a message dated 03/01/2006 05:04:53 GMT Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: One disadvantage is that a tbh must be built rather than bought. And, so far, they can't be easily managed vertically. I built mine so that the top bars are of the same length as my frame top bars - 17" to fit British national hives. Thus I can take out a bar with a queen cell for example and put it into a conventional hive or nuc. I don't super my hive but often in the autumn give it a couple of wet supers side by side to clean, taking out a bar under each super for access and closing the resulting holes at the ends by wooden blocks. The TBH isn't very productive of honey but is a good educational toy. Bees are so calm in it that I have been known to open and examine with no smoke and no protection. Chris -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---